Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with an increased risk of death from suffocation. They're also a great option for newborns.
Find models with an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed for safe sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby to you to comfort them, feed them or to help soothe them at night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've had a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has high walls, so your baby cannot escape. Some models come with tilting features that help babies with colic or reflux. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be placed in their own bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents but not in your bed. bedside cots uk is because sharing a bed increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds by permitting your child to sleep close to you during the night, but still in their own private and secure sleeping space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the most current safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or areas that could allow your child to get trapped. Also make sure you choose mattresses that are sturdy and flat. A soft or sagging mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress rather than second-hand.
Look for bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows are a suffocation risk and duvets can get stuck to the baby's face. It's best to opt for a fitted sheet however, make sure it's fitted correctly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and it can be adjusted to ensure the perfect fit. It also has a rocking function and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is also a great choice for those who have bed sizes that are small or narrow because it doesn't take up any space.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is crucial as it is 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 the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Some cribs also have incline features to aid in reflux.
The majority of cribs can be raised and lowered to fit the height of your bed, making it easier to get out and in to the bed at the end of the night. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is a great option when you travel or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complements her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib is lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping newborn without leaving her bed. This is particularly helpful when you've had a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay near your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said that it was simple to move from room to room, something she didn't discover with other bedside cribs she tested. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and required a lot of effort to move the crib.
Another crib for bedside that is easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame are perfect for the majority of bedrooms. However, some of our testers thought that the bars were too close to each other. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is ideal for reflux babies too, as its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will provide peace of mind, however, you must be able to reach them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. It is easy to do this without having leave your bed, with a crib at your bedside. They also make it easier to help babies fall asleep. If you'd like to be able to lay down with your child but don't want the hassle of having to get up every time they're fed, a moses-basket can be an excellent alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside are connected to the bedside so you can easily see and reach your baby. Many have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disturbing him. bedside rocking crib can also find a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
We're awestruck by the variety of features that are included on this crib, especially the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. However, our mom testers are in agreement that it's a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot is secured to the side of your bed using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child may get caught. It has an even, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and promotes good sleep habits.
You should be aware that your baby is likely to get out of their crib when they are standing up at around six months. It's important that you place your child in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is an additional aspect to consider. Some of our mothers appreciate the fact that this crib can be dismantled to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it a bit difficult to assemble and put back together. It isn't easy to clean so you will need to wipe it down often using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night as well as calming babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who have had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside it is important to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards. Make sure 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 side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, avoid any stickers or transfers on the cot's surface since they could be dangerous to choking.
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 lots of storage space for all your baby essentials. It's also light and compact enough to fit in its travel bag should you have to transport it from room to room. If you're seeking something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.