Watch Out: How Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby to you without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with a higher chance of death from suffocation. They're an excellent choice for newborns.
Look for models that have an adjustable height which allows for a perfect fit on most bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy to clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side for secure co-sleeping. It is a great way to raise your baby towards you in the evening for feeding or soothing. it's a great option in the event of the need for a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides, so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to carry 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 parent but not in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds by giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you throughout the night, but in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the latest safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure that there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could get trapped. Also consider mattresses that are sturdy and flat. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Look for bedding that is well-fitted and free of loose blankets or pillowcases. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet but ensure that it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It attaches securely to the bed and features an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It also comes with a rocking function and can be set to an incline for reflux. It is also a great choice for those who have small or narrow beds as it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is important as it will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available in a choice of colours to suit your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow for easier access. Some even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get in and out of the bed at night. There are even 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 discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complemented her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was perfect for sizing up space. She also loved that the crib's one side is lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful if you have had C-sections or are recovering from a Caesarean, as it means you can sleep near your baby for longer.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room to room, something she didn't find with some of the other bedside cribs she tested. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and it took a lot of effort to raise the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colours and slim frame will fit in with most bedrooms. However some of our test subjects found that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothing. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to keep your baby's head from becoming trapped. This crib is also ideal for babies with reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure when you can reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. You can easily accomplish this without having to get up from bed by having a crib by your bedside. They also make it simple to soothe babies back to sleep. If you'd like to be able to lay down 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 with a bedside are attached to the bedside, which allows you to access and touch your baby. Many have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting the baby. They might also include a setting for reflux to aid in reflux or colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of features, but we're most impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which can be beneficial in areas with limited space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is still a great choice for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is attached securely to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps in which your child could become trapped. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages healthy sleeping practices.
You should be aware that your baby will start to leave their crib once they are standing up, which is usually about six months old. large bedside crib is essential to place your child in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
Another thing to think about is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib is able to be disassembled to transport it however, others find it difficult to assemble. It's also a challenge to keep clean and therefore you'll have to regularly wipe it down using a cloth or cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and over is a bassinet shaped cot that attaches to the mattress's side to allow secure co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night as well as calming babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who've had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Make sure that the bars are far enough apart to prevent your baby's head becoming trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down sides are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface since they could pose a choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has lots of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It's also light and compact enough to fit in a travel bag in case you have to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something less complicated her recommendation is Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.