Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close in the same room with you without the risk of sharing a bed, which is associated with an increased risk of being suffocated. They are a great option for babies.
Models with adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet which is connected to the side of a bed for safe sleeping. It can be used to pull baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting. it's also a great choice if you have a C-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has walls that are high so your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models have tilt features that can help babies with colic and reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds by allowing your baby to be close to you throughout the night, but in their own private and secure sleeping space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the latest safety standards. It should be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or places where your baby could get trapped. Find a mattress with a flat, firm surface. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Lastly, look for a bedding that's fitted and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. It's a good idea to make use of a fitted sheet instead but ensure it's fitted correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed, and is adjustable to ensure the perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position for reflux. It's a good choice for those with small or narrow beds as it does not take up much space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is crucial as it is the place where your child will spend most of their time. A lot of cribs are available with a variety of colors to match your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or side panels that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some cribs also have incline features to ease reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to match the height of your bed, making it simple to get in and out of your bed at time of night. You can also find a few that are made to work as travel cots, which is great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complemented her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was perfect for space-saving. She also loved that the crib's one side can be lowered so that she can take her newborn baby to bed without having to leave her bed. This is especially beneficial for those who have had an emergency C-section or are recovering from the effects of a Caesarean which allows you to stay close to your newborn for longer.
Jasmine is another mum who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to another and back again - something she didn't see with other cribs. However, she said 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. Its slim frame and neutral colors will fit in with all bedrooms, though some of our home testers thought the bars were a little too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is also ideal for babies suffering from reflux due to the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will provide peace of mind, however, you need to be able to reach them quickly during the night for feeding. With a crib that is placed near the bed you can do this without having to get out of your bed. They also make it simple to soothe babies back to sleep. If you'd like to sleep with your baby, but don't want the hassle of waking up to feed your baby moses baskets are a better choice.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily be able to see and reach your baby. Most have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disturbing him. You may also find an option to treat reflux that can help with reflux and colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of options, but we're particularly amazed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's a bit smaller than other cribs for bedside use which can be useful where space is limited. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is a great choice for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps where your baby could get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes safe sleep practices.
It is important to be aware that your baby will start to climb out of their crib when they're standing up at around six months. This is why it's important to put them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is another feature to consider. Some of our mums really appreciate the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, but others find it a bit tricky to assemble and rebuild. It can also be difficult to keep clean, so you'll need regularly clean it using a cloth or cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night, soothing babies to sleep, and enabling mums who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.
travel cot bedside crib to choose cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Make sure that the bars are enough apart to avoid your child's head from being stuck, and make sure any sides that drop down are secured and don't open unexpectedly. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface since they could be dangerous to choking.
Emily's bedside cot of choice 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 Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size and offers plenty of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also light and compact enough to fit into its travel bag should you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something less complicated her recommendation is Shnuggle Air beside Crib.