Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus

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

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

Safety

A bedside cot is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side to allow safe co-sleeping. You can use it to lift baby up towards you at night for feeding or soothing. it's also a great option in the event of an C-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has high walls, so your baby cannot fall out. Some models 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 as their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to rest close to you but in a secure and private space.

When you are choosing a crib for your bed make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to be trapped. Also, look for a mattress that is sturdy and flat. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.

Finally, you should look for bedding that's fitted and free of loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. It is a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet however, make sure it's sized correctly.

The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mum testers as a crib for use at bedtime. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is securely attached to the bed and it has an adjustable height for an ideal fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It is a great choice for those who have small or narrow beds as it doesn't take up any space.

Design

It is important to consider 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 colours that can be matched to your decor. Some come with features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's view or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs even have incline functions to ease reflux.

Many cribs can also be adjusted to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get out and in to your bed at time of night. You can also find a few that are designed to work as travel cots, which is great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.

Leya Leya, an MFM mother and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also appreciated its compact fold that saved space. Leya also appreciated that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her child without having to leave the bed. This is particularly beneficial in the event that you've had a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can remain close to your baby for longer.

Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine, who commented that it was simple to move from room to room - something she couldn't get with other bedside cribs she tested. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and it took quite a bit of effort to move the crib.

Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame are perfect for most bedrooms. However, some of our testers thought that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothes. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting stuck. This crib is also ideal for babies who have reflux, as the ComfortAir air-flow system assists in regulating their body temperature.

Comfort

Staying close to your baby all night will give you peace of mind, but you must be capable of reaching them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. You can easily do this without having leave your bed, with a crib at your bedside. These cribs make it simple to help babies sleep. If you want to to sleep with your child but don't want to hassle with getting up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket is a good option.

Most foldable bedside crib cribs are attached to the bedside, which allows you to see and reach your baby. They usually come with a mesh window, which allows you to observe your baby without disturbing them. There is also an option for reflux that aids with reflux and colic.

We're amazed by the amount of features on this crib, especially the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's a little smaller than other cribs for bedside use and can be useful in areas where space is scarce. However, our mum testers are in agreement that it's an excellent choice for those long sleeps.

The cot is securely attached to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your baby could get trapped. It comes with a flat, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and promotes healthy sleeping habits.

It is important to be aware that your baby will start to climb out of their crib once they are standing up at around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.

A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is another feature to consider. Some of our mothers enjoy the fact that the crib can be taken apart to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it a bit tricky to assemble and rebuild. It is also difficult to keep clean and you'll need to regularly wipe it down using a cloth or cleaning product.

Storage

A bedside cot for six months and over is a bassinet style bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress to allow secure co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night, soothing babies to sleep and enabling mums who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.

When choosing a bedside cot bed crib it's crucial to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are enough apart to avoid your child's head from getting stuck, and make sure any sides that drop down are secured and won't pop open suddenly. Do not place stickers or transfer onto the surface of the cot for bedside since they could pose a choking risk.

Emily's top pick for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best bedside cots Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a good size and has lots of storage space for all your baby essentials. It's also compact and light enough to fit into a travel bag, if you want to move it around. If you want something simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.