Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you are without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with a higher chance of death from suffocation. They're a great choice for babies.
Models that have adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby to you for comfort, feeding or to help soothe them at the night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides to ensure your baby won't fall out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents. They should not be in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to sleep close to you but in a secure and separate space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the most recent safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make bedside cot 6 months plus that there aren't any gaps or areas where your child could become trapped. Also make sure you choose a mattress that is solid and flat. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress rather than second-hand.
Lastly, look for a bedding that is affixed and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, and pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet, but ensure that it is fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom test participants as a crib that is suitable for use at bedtime. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and comes with an adjustable height to ensure 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 because it doesn't take up too much space.
Design
It is crucial to think about the style of your crib at night because this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a choice of colours to match your decor and include features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to help with reflux.
Many cribs can also be adjusted to the same height as your bed, making it easy to get in and out of your bed at night. You can even find some that are designed to work as travel cots, which is great when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mum and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold that saved space. She also liked the fact that one side of the crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've had a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby for a longer time.
Jasmine is another mum who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was easy to move the crib from one room to another which she could not see with other cribs. However, she said that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib since the handle was rigid.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. 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, meaning they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. 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 temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure when you can quickly reach your baby to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside, you can do this easily without getting out of the bed. They also make it simple to soothe babies back to sleep. However, if you want to sleep with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of having to get out of bed for every feed, a moses basket is a better choice.
Most cribs that are bedside can be affixed to the bed's side, allowing you to see and access your baby easily. Many have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disturbing him. You can also find a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
We're impressed with the number of features included in this crib, particularly the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than some other cribs that are bedside, which may be helpful where space is limited. However, our mom testers agree that it's still an excellent option for those long nights.
The cot is secured to the side of the bed using adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child can get trapped. It is equipped with an even, firm mattress that is safe and promotes good sleeping habits.
It is important to know that your baby will begin to climb out of their crib when they're capable of sitting upright at around six months. It's crucial to put your baby in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
Another feature to think about is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers love that this crib is able to be disassembled for transport However, some aren't able to put it together. It is also difficult to keep clean and you'll need to clean it regularly with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the floor of the cot because they could be the risk of choking.
Emily's top choice 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 has plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It is also compact and lightweight enough to fit in its bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.