Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you do without the danger of sharing a bed, which is associated with a higher risk of death from suffocation. They're a great choice for newborns.
Models with adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. It is a great way to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting. it's also a great option in the event of the need for a c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has walls that are high so your baby cannot be pushed out. Some come with a tilt feature which can help babies with reflux and colic. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own cot or bassinet in the same room with their parents, but not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds by giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you during the night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the latest safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure that there are no gaps or places where your child could become trapped. Find a mattress with an even, firm surface. A soft or sagging mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a new one rather than second-hand.
Lastly, look for a bedding that is affixed and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. It's a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet however, make sure it's sized correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent choice for a bedside crib, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is attached securely to the bed and is adjustable to ensure an ideal fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline for reflux. It is a great option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow as it doesn't take up any space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is crucial as it will be where your baby will spend most of their time. There are many cribs available in a choice of colours to match your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs also have incline features to help with reflux.
You can raise and lower most cribs to match your bed height, making it easier to get in and out of the bed. There are even some that are designed to function as travel cribs, which are ideal when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mom and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold that saved space. She also appreciated that the crib's one side is lowered and allows her to pick up her sleeping newborn without having to leave her bed. This is particularly beneficial in the event that you've had an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said that it was easy to move from room room, something she didn't find with some of the other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, travel bedside crib did note that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib as the handle was quite stiff.
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 to be the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options can be incorporated into the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers thought the bars were too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The distance between each bar should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head can't become trapped. This is a great crib for babies with reflux too because its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if you are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. You can do this without having get up from bed with a crib at your bedside. They also make it easier to soothe babies back to sleep. If you'd like to snuggle with your baby but don't like the idea of having to get out of bed for every feeding A moses basket is a better choice.
Most bedside cribs are attached to the bedside, so you can easily access and touch your baby. Most have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disturbing the baby. They might also include a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
We're impressed with the number of features on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than other cribs that could be useful in areas with limited space. However, our mom testers agree that it's still an excellent choice for those long sleeps.
The cot is attached securely to the side of the bed using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child can get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes safe sleep practices.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby could begin to leave the crib when they're able to sit up typically around six months. This is why it's essential to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
Another thing to think about is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for travelling. Some of our mothers love that this crib can easily be taken apart for transport, but others find it difficult to assemble. It can also be difficult to keep clean and therefore you'll have regularly clean it with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for six months and over is a bassinet shaped cot that attaches to the mattress's side for safe co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings and allowing mums who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select a crib that meets the latest safety standards. Check that the crib's bars are sufficiently far apart to keep your child's head from being trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as they could pose an 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, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's a good size and has plenty of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also compact and lightweight enough to fit in a travel bag if you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air beside crib.