Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same space with you, without the risks of sharing a bed. They are also a great choice for babies.
Find models with an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Find bedside cots that are easy to clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet which is connected to the bed's side for safe cosleeping. It is a great way to pull baby closer to you at night to feed, soothing or comforting and it's a great option for a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls so your baby won't be pushed out. Some have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own cot or bassinet in the same room with their parents however, not in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds, permitting your child to sleep close to you during the night, but still in their own private and secure sleeping space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the latest safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, make sure there aren't any gaps or places that could allow your child to get trapped. Also, look for a mattress that's sturdy and flat. A soft or sagging mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress, instead of second-hand.
Look for bedding that is well-fitted and free of loose blankets or pillowcases. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it fits properly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and comes with an adjustable height to ensure the perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It's a good choice for those with narrow or small beds since it does not take up a lot of space.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib because this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come with a variety of colors to complement your decor. They also feature features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow you to reach it. Some cribs have incline features to help with reflux.
Many cribs can also be raised and lowered to match the height of your bed, making it easy to get out and in to your bed at night. There are even some that are designed to function as travel cots, which is great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design complemented her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was perfect for sizing up space. She also liked the fact that one side of crib can be adjusted to lower, letting her pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is especially helpful if you've had a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay close to your baby for longer.
Jasmine is another mom who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to the next - something she did not see with other cribs. However, she said that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib because the handle was stiff.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colors and slim frame will match most bedrooms. However some of our testers found that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothes. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting trapped. This crib is also suitable for babies who have reflux, due to the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure when you can quickly reach your baby to feed them during the middle of the night. With a bedside crib you can do this without having to get out of bed. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies to sleep. If you'd like to be able to lay down with your child but don't want to hassle with having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket is a good alternative.
Most bedside cribs are attached to the bedside, which allows you to be able to see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, so you can monitor your baby without disturbing him. You can also find a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of features, but we're most impressed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. But our mum testers all are in agreement that it's a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot securely attaches to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your baby might get trapped. It is equipped with a flat, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes healthy sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby can start to leave the crib when they're able to sit up at around six months. It is essential to place your baby in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping, once they outgrow their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is an additional option to think about. Some of our mothers are thrilled the fact that this crib can be taken apart for transport however, others find it difficult to assemble. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll have to wipe it clean often using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for six months and up is a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the mattress's side to allow secure co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is important to ensure that it is in line with current safety standards. Check that the bars are spaced enough apart to prevent your baby's head becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the sides that drop down are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Do not place stickers or transfer on the floor of the cot as they may pose a choking risk.
Emily's top pick for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also compact and light enough to fit in its bag for travel, should you need to move it around. If you're seeking something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.