Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close in the same room as you are without the risk of sharing a bed, which is associated with an increased risk of being suffocated. They are also a great choice for newborns.
Look for models with an adjustable height position that allows for a perfect fit on most bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby toward you to comfort them, feed them or soothing at the night. It's also a great alternative if you've had a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides to ensure your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models have tilting features that help babies with colic or 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, suggest that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They shouldn't be in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds by giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you at night, but in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, make sure that there aren't any gaps or areas that could allow your child to get trapped. Also make sure you choose mattresses that are firm 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 fitted and free of loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet but ensure that it is properly fitted.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mom test participants as a crib that is suitable for bedside use. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It attaches securely to the bed and comes with an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to an inclined angle for reflux. It's a good choice for people with narrow or small beds since it doesn't take up too much room.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a choice of colours to complement your decor. They also have features like mesh windows that keep baby in view, or side panels that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some cribs have incline features to aid in reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match your bed's height making it easier for you to get into and out of bed. You can even find some that are made to work as travel cots, which is great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complements her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her pick up her baby without having to leave the bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mom who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to the next and back again - something she didn't see with other cribs. However, she did notice that the handle was stiff and required a lot of effort to lift the crib.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame will match most bedrooms. However some of our test subjects felt that the bars were too close to each other. 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 getting trapped. This is a good crib for reflux babies too because its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if you can reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. With a bedside crib you can do this easily without getting out of the bed. They also make it easy to calm babies back to sleep. If, however, you'd like to snuggle with your baby but don't like the idea of getting out of bed for every feed A moses basket is a better choice.
Most bedside cribs are attached to the bedside, so you can easily see and reach your baby. Many have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disrupting the baby. They might also include a reflux setting to help with colic or reflux.
bedside cots uk comes with a wide range of features, but we're impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's a little smaller than some other cribs for bedside use and can be useful where space is limited. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is an excellent choice for those sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the bed's side with adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child can get trapped. It has a flat, firm mattress that is safe and promotes good sleep habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may start to get out of the crib once they're able to sit up at around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot, or a different sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is an additional feature to consider. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib can easily be disassembled for transport, but others find it difficult to assemble. It can be a challenge to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down frequently using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
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 allowing mums who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that are in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't getting trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface since they could pose a 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 or Moses Basket. It's a great size with plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also compact and light enough to fit in a travel bag if you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.