Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus

Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk associated with sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice for babies.

Look for models that have an adjustable height which gives a perfect fit on most bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.

Safety

A bedside cot is basically an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed for secure co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping. It is a great way to pull baby closer to you at night for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's also a great choice if you have an C-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls, so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models have a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room room.

The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room as their parents. They should not 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 giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you throughout the night, but still in their own safe and separate sleeping space.

When you are choosing a crib for your bed, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to become trapped. Also consider a mattress that is sturdy and flat. A sagging or too soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress instead of second-hand.

Look for bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are loose. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet, however, make sure it is properly fitted.

Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best bedside cot for newborn Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and features an adjustable height that allows for an ideal fit. It also has a rocking function and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It is a great choice for those who have small or narrow beds as it doesn't take up much space.

Design

It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a variety of colors that match your decor. Some cribs have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid in reflux.

Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to fit the height of your bed, making it easier to get out and in to bed at night. You can also find a few that are designed to function as travel cots, which are great when you're traveling or visiting relatives.

Leya Leya, an MFM mother and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also loved its compact fold which saved space. Leya also appreciated that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her child without having to leave the bed. This is particularly beneficial if you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby for longer.

Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was easy to move from room to room - something she couldn't discover with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. She did mention that the handle was a bit stiff and it took a lot of effort to move the crib.

Another crib for bedside that is easy 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. The neutral colors and slim frame will fit in with the majority of bedrooms. However some of our testers felt that the bars were too close together. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothing. The distance between each bar should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head can't become trapped. This is a good crib for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate temperature.

Comfort

Staying close to your baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you must be in a position to be able to get them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. You can easily do this without having get out of bed by having a crib by your bedside. They also make it simple to calm babies back to sleep. However, if you want to lay down with your baby but aren't keen on the idea of waking up to feed your baby, a moses basket is the better option.

The majority of cribs for bedside use can be attached to the bed's side that allows you to see and get to your baby easily. They usually feature a mesh-like window so you can check on your baby without having to disturb them. You can also find an option to treat reflux that can help with colic and reflux.

We're awestruck by the variety of features included in this crib, including the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's smaller than other twin bedside cot cribs that could be useful in areas that are limited in space. But our mum testers all agree that it's an excellent option for those long nights.

The cot is secured to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child can get trapped. It has a flat, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping habits.

You should be aware that your baby will start to get out of their crib when they're able to sit upright typically around six months. It's important that you place your child in a cot, or in a different arrangement for sleeping, once they outgrow their crib.

Another aspect to take into consideration is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for travelling. Many of our moms love the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it tricky to assemble and put back together. It isn't easy to clean so you will need to wipe it down often using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.

Storage

A bedside crib travel cot that is 6 months old plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side for a safe and secure 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.

When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it's important to make sure that it complies with current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are sufficiently far apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Avoid placing stickers or other objects on the floor of the cot as they could be a choking risk.

Emily's preferred bedside cot 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 Best Moses Basket. It's a great size, with plenty of space for your baby's necessities. It's also small and light enough to be able to fit in its travel bag, if you're planning to move it around. If you're seeking something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air beside crib.