Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same room as you, without the risks associated with bed-sharing. They're also a great option for newborns.
Find bedside crib with wheels with an adjustable height position that will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy-to-clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet which is connected to the bed's side to ensure safe cosleeping. It can be used to raise your baby towards you in the evening for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's also a great choice if you have an c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls so your baby cannot fall out. Some models come with tilt features that can aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents however, not in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep with you however, in a secure and private space.
When choosing a bedside crib ensure that it meets the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not 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 could increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a new one instead of second-hand.
Finally, you should look for bedding that's fitted and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their faces. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it is properly fitted.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mum testers as a crib suitable for use in bed. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secure to the bed and comes with an adjustable height that allows for an ideal fit. It also has a rocking function and can be set to an incline for reflux. It's a great option for those with small or narrow beds since it doesn't take up too much room.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is crucial as it is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some cribs have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that allow easier access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to help with reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to match your bed height which makes it easier to get in and out of the bed. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is great for when you travel or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mother and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold which saved space. She also liked that one side of the crib can be lowered and allows her to take her newborn baby to bed without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful for those who have had C-sections or are recovering from an Caesarean because it allows you to sleep close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to the next which she could not see with other cribs. However, she said that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib because the handle was rigid.
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 for Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colors will fit in with most bedrooms, although some of our testers at home felt the bars were too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting stuck. This crib is also suitable for babies with reflux, as the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure when you can reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib that is placed near the bed, you can do this without getting out of bed. They make it simple to help babies sleep. If you want to 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.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily be able to see and reach your baby. Many have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disrupting the baby. They may also include a setting for reflux to help with reflux or colic.
bedside crib with wheels awestruck by the variety of features that are included on this crib, including the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's a bit smaller than other bedside cribs and can be useful when space is tight. However, our mom testers agree that it's a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed with adjustable straps, which reduces the risk of gaps in which your child may get caught. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages safe sleep practices.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby can start to leave the crib once they're able to sit typically around six months. It's important that you place your baby in a cot or another sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
Another feature to take into consideration is how light the cot is and whether it's suitable for traveling. Many of our moms love the fact that this crib can be dismantled for easy transport, but others find it a bit tricky to assemble and reassemble. It can be a challenge to clean, so you'll have to wipe it clean often using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and up is a bassinet shaped crib that is attached to the mattress's side to ensure secure co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside it is important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Make sure that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from getting trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers on the cot surface as they can be an choking hazard.
Emily's top pick for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a great size and offers plenty of storage space for all your baby essentials. It is also compact and light enough to be able to fit in its bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.