Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus

Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same room with you without the risk associated with bed-sharing. They are also a great choice for babies.

Look for models with an adjustable height which will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.

Safety

A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for safe sleeping. It can be used to lift baby up towards you at night for feeding or soothing. it's a great option in the event of a C-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has high walls, so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models come with tilt features that can aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room to room.

The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents but not in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to rest close to you but in a secure and separate space.

When you are choosing a crib for your bed, check that it meets the most recent 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. Look for a mattress with a flat, firm surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so go for a brand new mattress instead of second-hand.

Look for bedding that is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are loose. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it fits properly.

The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mum testers as a crib for bedside cot used use. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and comes with an adjustable height that allows for the perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It is also an excellent choice for those who have narrow or small beds, as it does not take up much space.

Design

The design of a bedside crib is important as it will be where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come with a variety of colors to complement your decor. They also feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby bedside sleeper in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs also have incline features to ease reflux.

You can raise and lower most cribs to match the height of your bed which makes it easier to get into and out of bed. You can even find some that are made to work as travel cribs, which are ideal if you're travelling or visiting relatives.

Home tester and MFM mom Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design complements her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib can be lowered and allows her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is especially beneficial for those who have had a C-section or are recovering from an Caesarean, as it allows you to sleep close to your newborn for longer.

Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine, who commented that it was simple to move from room to room - something she couldn't get with other cribs for bedside that she tried. However, she did notice that the handle was stiff and required quite a bit of effort to raise the crib.

The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors will work well in most bedrooms, although some of our home testers felt the bars were too close, which means they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is also ideal for babies suffering from reflux as the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate their body temperature.

Comfort

You will feel more secure when you can reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. With a crib that is placed near the bed, you can do this easily without getting out of your bed. They also make it simple to calm 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 need to be fed, a moses's-basket is a good option.

Most bedside cribs can be affixed to the side of your bed that allows you to see and reach your baby easily. Most have mesh windows to allow you to monitor your baby without disrupting him. There is also an option for reflux that aids with colic and reflux.

We're awestruck by the variety of features that are included on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other bedside cribs, which may be helpful when space is tight. But our mum testers all agree that it's an excellent option for those long sleeps.

The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child can get trapped. It has a flat, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and encourages good sleeping habits.

It is important to be aware that your baby is likely to get out of their crib when they are standing up, which is usually around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot, or another sleeping arrangement after 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 that this crib can easily be disassembled for transport however, others aren't able to put it together. It isn't easy to clean so you will need to wipe it down regularly with a cleaning product and a cloth.

Storage

A large bedside crib cot for 6 months and over is a bassinet shaped crib that is attached to the side of your mattress to ensure secure co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, night feedings and allowing mums who had a c-section to keep their baby close.

It's crucial to choose cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Make sure that the bars on the crib are spaced sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, stay clear of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface since they could pose a choking hazard.

Emily's top pick for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a great size and has plenty of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It's also compact and lightweight enough to fit into a bag for travel, should you want to move it around. If you're seeking something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.