Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same space with you, without the risks associated with sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice for babies.
Models that have adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on all bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed for safe sleeping. You can use it to pull baby closer to you at night to feed or soothing. it's also a great option if you have an c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has walls that are high so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some have a tilt function which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room as their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to sleep with you but in a secure and distinct space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the most current safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could get trapped. Find a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Lastly, look for a bedding that's fitted and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their faces. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it fits properly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and has an adjustable height setting for the perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is also a great option for those with narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is essential to think about the style of your crib at night since this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available with a variety of colors to match your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. 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, making it easier to get in and out of bed. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is a great feature when you travel or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mum and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold which saved space. Leya also appreciated that one side of the crib can be adjusted to lower, letting her pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've had a C-section or recovering from a Caesarean, as it allows you to sleep close to your baby for longer.
Jasmine is another mum who loved using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to another and back again - something she didn't see with other cribs. She did note that the handle was a bit stiff and it took a lot of effort to raise the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib for bed that is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colours and slim frame will fit in with most bedrooms. However, some of our testers felt that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothing. The distance between each bar should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is also good for babies who have reflux, due to the ComfortAir breathable system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
bedside cot for twins and secure baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you need to be capable of reaching them quickly during the night for feeding. It is easy to do this without having get up from bed with a crib right at your bedside. They also make it simple to soothe babies back to sleep. If you'd like to to sleep with your child but don't want to hassle with getting up each time they're fed, a moses-basket is a good alternative.
Most bedside cribs can be attached to the side of your bed that allows you to see and access your baby easily. Most have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting him. You may also find an option for reflux that aids with colic and reflux.
The crib is loaded with a variety of options, but we're particularly impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than some other bedside cribs which can be useful when space is tight. However, our mom testers are in agreement that it's a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps that your child might get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages safe sleep habits.
It is important to know that your baby will begin to leave their crib once they are able to sit upright 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 a further feature to consider. Many of our moms love the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it a bit difficult to assemble and then put back together. It can be difficult to clean so you will have to clean it frequently using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for six months and older is a bassinet-style bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress to allow safe co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night as well as calming babies back to sleep and enabling mums who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current safety standards. Make sure that the bars on the crib are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Avoid placing stickers or other objects onto the surface of the cot since they may pose an choking risk.
Emily's top pick for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a good size and has plenty of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit into its travel bag if you have to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.