Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby close in the same room with you do without the danger of sharing a bed, which is associated with an increased risk of death from suffocation. They're also a great option for newborns.
Look for models that have an adjustable height that will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed for secure co-sleeping. It is a great way to raise your baby towards you in the evening for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's a great option in the event of an c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls, so your baby cannot escape. Some models have tilting features that help babies with colic or reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be placed in their own bassinet or cot in the same room with their parent, but not in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to rest close to you, but in a safe and separate space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the latest safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, make sure that there are no gaps or parts that could allow your child to get trapped. Find a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Lastly, look for a bedding that is affixed and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to baby's face. It is a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet however, make sure it's fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mother testers as a crib suitable for use in bed. see this website has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is securely attached to the bed and it has an adjustable height for a perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It's also a great choice for those with small or narrow beds since it does not take up a lot of space.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is important because it is the place where your child will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available in a choice of colours to complement your decor. They also feature features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow you to reach it. Some even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be adjusted to match the height of your bed, making it easier to get out and in to your bed at time of night. You can also find a few that are made to work as travel cribs, which are ideal when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complements her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was ideal for space-saving. She also loved that the crib's one side can be lowered and allows her to pick up her sleeping newborn without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've had an emergency C-section or recovering from the effects of a Caesarean which means you can sleep near your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mum who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next which she could not discover with other cribs for bed. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and it took a lot of effort to lift 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 for Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame will fit in with the majority of bedrooms. However some of our testers felt that the bars were too close together. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This is a good crib for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if you are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a bedside crib you can do this easily without getting out of bed. These cribs make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. If, however, you'd like to sleep with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of waking up for every feed, a moses basket is a better choice.
Most cribs that are bedside can be affixed to the sides of your bed that allows you to see and access your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. They may also include a setting for reflux to help with colic or reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features that are included on this crib, including the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. However, our mum testers agree that it's still a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot is secured to the bed's side with adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps in which your child may get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages safe sleep habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may start to climb out of the crib when they're able to sit up, usually around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot, or another sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
Another thing to think about is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers enjoy the fact that the crib can be dismantled to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it tricky to assemble and reassemble. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll have to clean it regularly with a cleaning product and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side for a safe and secure co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, night feedings and allowing mums who had a csection to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select cribs that meet the current safety standards. Verify that the bars on the crib are spaced sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the surface of the cot because they could be the risk of choking.
Emily's favorite bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot, and the Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and has lots of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also compact and lightweight enough to fit in its bag for travel, should you need to move it around. If you're seeking something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.