bedside cot 6 months plus Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close in the same room with you do without the danger of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher risk of suffocation. They're also a great option for newborns.
Models that have adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on all bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy to clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet which is connected to the bed's side to ensure safe cosleeping. You can use it to raise your baby towards you at night to feed, soothing or comforting and it's a great option if you have an C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides, so your baby can't be pushed out. Some models come with tilting features that help babies with colic or reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room as their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds by permitting your child to sleep close to you at night, but still in their own safe and separate sleeping 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 get trapped. Also, look for a mattress that is solid and flat. 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 of any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to the baby's face. It's a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet but ensure it fits properly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed, and can be adjusted to ensure an ideal fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is also a great option for those with small or narrow beds as it doesn't take up much space.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib because this is where you baby will spend the majority 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 your baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow you to reach it. Some cribs even have incline functions to help with reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to the same height as your bed, making it easy to get into and out of bed at the end of the night. You can even find some that are designed to work as travel cots, which is great when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complements her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was ideal for space-saving. She also loved that one side of the crib drops down so that she can take her newborn baby to bed without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful when you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who said that it was simple to move from room to room - something she didn't discover with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, she said that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib, as the handle was quite rigid.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colour options will fit in with all bedrooms, though some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also ideal for babies suffering from reflux because the ComfortAir air-flow system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure when you can quickly reach your baby to feed them during the middle of the night. With a bedside crib it is possible to do this without having to get out of the bed. These cribs make it simple to help babies sleep. If you'd like to to sleep with your child, but don't wish to be a burden of having to get up every time they're fed, a moses-basket can be a good option.
Most cribs that are bedside can be affixed to the bed's side and allow you to view and get to your baby easily. They typically have a mesh window which allows you to observe your baby without disrupting them. You may also find an option to treat reflux that can help with colic and reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of options, but we're particularly impressed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and increases airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. However, our mum testers agree that it's a great option for those long nights.
The cot is attached securely to the bed's side with adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child can get trapped. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping practices.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby could start to climb out of the crib when they're able to sit typically around six months. This is why it's essential to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
Another thing to think about is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for travel. Many of our moms appreciate the fact that this crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it tricky to assemble and rebuild. It can be difficult to clean so you will have to wipe it clean often using 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 side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds as well as calming babies to sleep and allowing mothers who've had C-sections to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it is important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Check that the bars are far enough apart to avoid your child's head from getting trapped and check that the sides that drop down are secure and don't open abruptly. Also, stay clear of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot surface as they could be dangerous to choking.
Emily's top choice for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is a good size and has plenty of storage for your baby's necessities. It's also compact and lightweight enough to fit in a travel bag, if you want to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.