Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close in the same room with you do without the danger of sharing a bed, which is associated with a higher chance of suffocation. They're a great choice for babies.
Models that have adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy to clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed to ensure safe cosleeping. It can be used to lift your baby towards you for comfort, feeding or to soothe your baby at the end of the night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides, so your baby won't be pushed out. Some models come with tilting features that aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you however, in a secure and private space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Choose a mattress that has a flat, firm surface. A soft or sagging mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress rather than second-hand.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mom testers as a crib for use at bedtime. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed, and it can be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit. It also has a rocking function and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is also a great option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow as it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is crucial as it is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colours that can be matched to your decor. Some cribs have features like mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs have incline features to aid in reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to your bed height, making it easier to get into and out of bed. There are even some that are designed to work as travel cots, which is great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mum and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. bedside cot sale appreciated its compact fold that saved space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her baby without having to leave the bed. This is particularly beneficial when you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay close to your baby for longer.
Jasmine is another mum who loved using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to another - something she did not see with other cribs. However, she did note that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib since the handle was stiff.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors will work well in most bedrooms, although some of our testers at home felt the bars were too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is also ideal for babies suffering from reflux due to the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will give you peace of mind, but you need to be able to reach them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. With a crib at your bedside, you can do this without having to get out of your bed. They make it simple to soothe babies into sleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child, but don't want to hassle with getting up each time they're fed, a moses's-basket is a good alternative.
Most bedside cribs can be attached to the sides of your bed and allow you to view and get to your baby easily. Many have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting him. They may also include a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
We're awestruck by the variety of features included in this crib, particularly the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than other cribs that could be useful in areas with limited space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is an excellent choice for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child may get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages healthy sleeping practices.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may begin to climb out of the crib when they're tall enough to sit at around six months. It's important that you place your child in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is an additional aspect to consider. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib is able to be taken apart for transport, but others find it difficult to assemble. It can be a challenge to clean so you will need to wipe it down frequently using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Stores
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 safe co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, night feedings and allowing mums who had a c section to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, it's important to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the surface of the cot because they could be the risk of choking.
Emily's preferred bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot and the Best Moses Basket. It's a great size, with plenty of space for all your baby's essentials. It's also small and lightweight enough to fit into a travel bag if you need to move it around. If you want something simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.