Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you without the dangers of sharing a bed. They're also a great option for babies.
Look for models that have an adjustable height that will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy to clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet that is connected to the bed's side for safe cosleeping. It can be used to bring your baby to you for comfort, feeding or to help soothe them at night. It's also a great option if you have had a c section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has walls that are high so your baby won't be pushed out. Some come with a tilt feature that can aid 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 safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents but not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds, allowing your baby to be close to you throughout the night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
When choosing a bedside crib, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to become trapped. Look for a mattress with an even, firm surface. A soft or sagging mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so go for a brand new mattress, instead of a second-hand.
Lastly, look for a bedding that's fitted and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. It is a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead but ensure it's sized correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is attached securely to the bed, and it can be adjusted to ensure the perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined angle for reflux. It is also a great option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow, as it does not take up any space.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib since this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a variety of colors to suit your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep baby in view, or sides that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some cribs come with incline features to aid with reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match your bed height which makes it easier to get into and out of the bed. You can even find some that are designed to function as travel cribs, which are ideal when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mother and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold, which helped save space. She also loved that one side of the crib is lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is especially beneficial if you have had a C-section or are recovering from an Caesarean, as it means you can sleep near your newborn for longer.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room to room - something she couldn't find with some of the other bedside cribs she tested. However, she did notice that the handle was stiff and required a lot of effort to lift the crib.
bedside crib or cot that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral color options can be incorporated into the majority of bedrooms, but some of our testers at home felt the bars were too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to keep your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is also ideal for babies who have reflux, because the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if you can reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside you can do this without having to get out of bed. They also make it easier to calm babies back to sleep. If you want to be able to lay down with your child but do not want the hassle of getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses-basket is an excellent option.
The majority of cribs for bedside are connected to the bedside which allows you to be able to see and reach your baby. They typically feature a mesh-like window to allow you to check on your baby without having to disturb them. There is also an option for reflux that aids with colic and reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're most impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. However, our mom testers agree that it's a great option for those long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side with adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps in which your child could become trapped. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby can start to leave the crib once they're able to sit at around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot, or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Many of our moms enjoy the fact that the crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it a bit difficult to assemble and rebuild. It is also difficult to keep clean and you'll need regularly clean it using a cloth or cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side for a safe and secure co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a c section to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it's crucial to make sure that it meets current safety standards. Make sure that the bars on the crib are sufficiently far apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, stay clear of any stickers or transfers on the cot's surface since they could pose an choking hazard.
Emily's preferred bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib and Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and offers plenty of storage space to store all your baby essentials. It's also compact and lightweight enough to fit in its travel bag, if you're planning to move it around. If you're seeking something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air beside crib.