Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus

Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close to you without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher chance of being suffocated. They're also a great option for newborns.

Look for models with an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on all bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy to clean and comfortable to breathe.

Safety

A bedside cot can be described as an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed to allow safe co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby to you to provide comfort, feed or to help soothe them at the night. It's also a great alternative if you've had a c section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has walls that are high so your baby cannot fall out. Some have a tilt function which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. 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 newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents. They should not be in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. bedside crib and travel cot cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you however, in a secure and distinct space.

When choosing a bedside crib, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your child to get trapped. Choose a mattress that has a flat, firm surface. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.

Also, make sure you choose bedding that's fitted and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their face. It's a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet, but make sure it's fitted correctly.

Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It attaches securely to the bed and has an adjustable height to ensure a perfect fit. It also has a rocking function and can be set to an incline for reflux. It's a good choice for those with small or narrow beds as it does not take up a lot of room.

Design

It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib because this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a range of colors that match your decor. Some come with features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's view or drop-down sides that facilitate access. Some cribs even have incline functions to help with reflux.

The majority of cribs can be raised and lowered to fit the height of your bed, making it easier to get in and out of your bed at the end of the night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is great for when you are travelling or visiting relatives.

Leya, a MFM mom and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold which saved space. She also liked the fact that one side of the crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her child without having to leave the bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.

Jasmine is another mom who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to the next - something she did not see with other cribs. However, she said that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib as the handle was quite stiff.

Another crib that's easy 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. Its slim frame and neutral color options can be incorporated into most bedrooms, although some of our home testers felt the bars were too close, 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 isn't entangled. This is a great crib for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.

Comfort

You will feel more secure when you can quickly reach your baby to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside you can do this without having to get out of the bed. They also make it easier to calm babies back to sleep. If you'd like to be able to sleep with your child, but don't want the hassle of having to get up every time they're fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal alternative.

Most cribs with a bedside travel cot are connected to the bedside which allows you to see and reach your baby. They usually have a mesh window to allow you to check on your baby without disrupting them. You may also find an option to treat reflux that can help with reflux and colic.

This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're impressed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other bedside crib co sleeper cribs that could be useful in areas that are limited in space. Our mum testers agree that this crib is an excellent choice for those long, sleepless nights.

The cot is secured to the side of your bed with adjustable straps, which reduces the risk of gaps where your baby could get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping habits.

One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may begin to leave the crib when they're able to sit typically around six months. This is why it's important to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.

Another thing to consider is how lightweight the crib is, and if it's suitable for travel. Some of our mothers love that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it, but others find it difficult to assemble. It isn't easy to clean so you will need to wipe it down regularly with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.

Storage

A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and up is a bassinet style bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress to allow safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards. Check that the crib's bars 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. Avoid placing stickers or other objects on the floor of the cot since they could be a choking risk.

Emily's top choice for a bedside cot used cot 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 and offers plenty of storage space for everything your baby needs. It's also compact and light enough to fit into its travel bag in case you need to transport it from room to room. If you want something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air beside Crib.