Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close in the same room as you do without the danger of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher chance of being suffocated. They're also a great option for newborns.
Look for models that have an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit on all bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet which is connected to the side of a bed to ensure safe cosleeping. It can be used to bring your baby to you for comfort, feeding or to help soothe them at the end of the night. It's also a great alternative if you've had a c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has walls that are high so your baby isn't able to escape. Some models come with tilting features that help babies with colic and reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to sleep close to you however, in a secure and private space.
When choosing a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to be trapped. Also make sure you choose mattresses that are solid and flat. A soft or sagging mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a new one instead of a second-hand.
Lastly, look for a bedding that is affixed and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but ensure that it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mom test participants as a crib that is suitable for use in bed. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It attaches securely to the bed and features an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It's a great option for those with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up too much space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is crucial as it will be the place where your child will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a range of colors that match your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs have incline features to help with reflux.
Most cribs can also be lowered and raised to fit the height of your bed, making it easy to get in and out of bed at the end of the night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great option when you travel or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complements her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was perfect for space-saving. She also appreciated that the crib's one side drops down, allowing her to take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful when you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer time.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was easy to move from room to room, something she didn't discover with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, she did note that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib because the handle was rigid.
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 colors and slim frame will match most bedrooms. However some of our test subjects felt that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothing. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is also suitable for babies who have reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-tight system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will give you peace of mind, however, you should be in a position to be able to get them quickly during the night for feeding. With newborn bedside cot at your bedside, you can do this without having to get out of bed. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies into sleep. If you'd like to lay down with your baby but don't want the hassle of waking up for every feeding, a moses basket is the better option.
best bedside cots with a bedside are connected to the bedside so you can easily see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing him. They might also include a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
We're impressed with the number of features on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs that could be useful in areas that are limited in space. However, our mum testers are in agreement that it's a great option for those long nights.
The cot is attached securely to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child could become trapped. It is equipped with a flat, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and encourages good sleeping habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby can begin to climb out of the crib once they're able to sit typically around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to put them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is an additional aspect to consider. Some of our mums really love the fact that this crib can be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it tricky to assemble and rebuild. It's also a challenge to keep clean and you'll need to regularly wipe it down with a cloth and cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and older is a bassinet shaped cot that attaches to the mattress's side to allow safe co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night and calming babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who've had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as they could pose dangerous to choking.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib, and the Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and offers plenty of storage space for all the baby necessities. It's also compact and lightweight enough to fit in its travel bag, if you need to move it around. If you're looking for something less complicated, she recommends Shnuggle Air beside Crib.