Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same space with you without the dangers of sharing a bed. They are a great option for infants.
Models with adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy to clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side for secure co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby to you for comfort, feeding or to help soothe them at night. bedside crib or cot 's also an excellent option if you have had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides so your baby can't be pushed out. Some models come with tilting features that help babies with colic and reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room with their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds by permitting your child to sleep close to you during the night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When choosing a bedside crib, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to be trapped. Also, look for a mattress that's sturdy and flat. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so go for a new one instead of second-hand.
Find bedding that is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are loose. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets could get stuck to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but ensure that it is properly fitted.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is secure to the bed and has an adjustable height setting for a perfect fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to an inclined position for reflux. It's a good choice for those with narrow or small beds because it does not take up much room.
Design
It is essential to think about the style of your crib at night since this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available with a variety of colors to suit your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some cribs also have incline features to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to fit the height of your bed, making it simple to get in and out of your bed at time of night. There are even some that are designed to function as travel cots, which are great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mum and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold, which helped save space. Leya also appreciated that one side of crib can be raised, letting her pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial for those who have had a C-section or are recovering from the effects of a Caesarean, as it allows you to sleep close to your newborn for longer.
Jasmine is another mom who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to the next and back again - something she didn't find with other bedside cribs. However, she noted that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib since the handle was rigid.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame are perfect for the majority of bedrooms. However some of our test subjects found that the bars were too close to each other. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothing. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is ideal for babies who have reflux because its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will give you peace of mind, but you need to be able to reach them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. You can do this without having to leave your bed, by having a crib by your bedside. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies to sleep. However, if you want to snuggle with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of getting out of bed for every feed, a moses basket is a better choice.
Most bedside cribs can be attached to the side of your bed that allows you to see and reach your baby easily. They usually come with a mesh window, so you can check on your baby without disturbing them. You may also find a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're amazed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than some other cribs for bedside use, which may be helpful when space is tight. Our mom testers agree that this is still an excellent option for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child can get trapped. It has a firm, flat mattress that meets safety regulations and promotes healthy sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby can start to climb out of the crib once they're able to sit up, usually around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
Another aspect to think about is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for traveling. Many of our moms enjoy the fact that the crib can be dismantled for easy transport, but others find it a bit tricky to assemble and put back together. It's also a challenge to keep clean and therefore you'll have to regularly wipe it down with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed for a safe and secure co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, allowing night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a c section to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet the current safety standards. Verify that the bars on the crib are sufficiently far apart to ensure that your child's head isn't becoming trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down sides are safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer onto the surface of the cot as they may pose the risk of choking.
Emily's top choice for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a decent size and offers plenty of storage space for all the baby necessities. It is also compact and light enough to fit in a travel bag, if you're planning to move it around. If you want something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.