What You Should Be Focusing On Improving Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
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 beds, which comes with a higher risk of death from suffocation. They are also a great choice for newborns.
Look for models with an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on most bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for safe sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby to you for comfort, feeding or to help soothe them at night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've had a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides so your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models come with tilting features that help babies with colic or reflux. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room as their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to sleep with you however, in a secure and private space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside ensure that it meets the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to be trapped. Look for a mattress with an even, firm surface. A sagging or too soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so go for a brand new mattress rather than second-hand.
Look for bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are loose. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can get stuck to the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it is properly fitted.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mother test participants as a crib that is suitable for bedside use. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the 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 has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It's also a great choice for people with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up too much room.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is crucial as it will be the place where your child will spend most of their time. There are many cribs available in a range of colors that match your decor. Some come with features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs have incline features to help with reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match your bed height which makes it easier to get into and out of the bed. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is a great feature when you are travelling or visiting family.
Leya Leya, an MFM mom and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also appreciated its compact fold which saved space. She also appreciated that the crib's one side drops down and allows her to pick up her sleeping baby without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've had C-sections or are recovering from a Caesarean, as it allows you to stay close to your baby for longer.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who noted that it was simple to move from room room - something she couldn't discover with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, she did note that it took some effort to lift and lower the crib, since the handle was rigid.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral color options will fit in with most bedrooms, although some of our home testers thought the bars were a little too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from becoming trapped. This crib is also ideal for babies who have reflux, because the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside it is possible to do this without having to get out of your bed. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies into sleep. If you want to be able to lay down with your child but do not want to hassle with getting up every time they're fed, a moses-basket is an excellent alternative.
Most cribs with a bedside are connected to the bedside which allows you to access and touch your baby. Some have mesh windows, so you can monitor your baby without disrupting him. They may also include a reflux setting to help with colic or reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features included in 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 which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. Our mum testers agree that this is still a great choice for those sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the side of your bed with adjustable straps, which reduces the risk of gaps in which your child may get caught. It comes with a firm, flat mattress that is safe and encourages good sleeping habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may start to get out of the crib when they're tall enough to sit at around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot, or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
Another aspect to consider is how lightweight the crib is, and if it's suitable for travel. Some of our mothers are thrilled the fact that this crib can be disassembled to transport it however, others aren't able to put it together. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll have to clean it frequently using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for six months and up is a bassinet shaped bed that can be attached to the mattress's side for secure co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds and calming babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib, it's important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't getting trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, beware of any stickers or transfers on the cot surface as they can be a choking hazard.
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 the Best Moses Basket. It is a good size and has plenty of storage for all your baby's essentials. It's also small and light enough to be able to fit in a bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If best bedside cots looking for something less complicated she suggests Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.