20 Myths About Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus: Busted
Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same space with you without the risk associated with sharing a bed. They're also a great option for babies.
Find models with an adjustable height which gives a perfect fit on most bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy to clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby toward you to provide comfort, feed or to soothe your baby at the end of the night. It's also a great option if you had a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides so your baby can't fall out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parent however, not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you during the night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed make sure it is in compliance with the most recent safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Look for a mattress with an even, firm surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Find bedding that is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet, however, make sure it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent choice for a bedside crib, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is attached securely to the bed and it can be adjusted to ensure the perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position for reflux. It is also a great choice for those who have narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up any space.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is important because it will be the place where your child will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colours that will match your decor. Some come with features like mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to facilitate access. Some cribs have incline features to aid in reflux.
Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get in and out of your bed at night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great feature when you travel or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complements her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also loved that the crib's one side drops down, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful when you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Jasmine is another mum who loved using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to the next and back again - something she didn't find with other bedside cribs. However, she said that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib, because the handle was stiff.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. bedside crib co sleeper was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colors and slim frame will fit in with most bedrooms. However some of our testers felt that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothing. The distance between each bar should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also good for babies who have reflux, as the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure when you are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside it is possible to do this easily without getting out of your bed. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies to sleep. If you'd like to sleep with your baby, but don't want the hassle of having to get out of bed for every feed, a moses basket is the better option.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be attached to the bed's side, allowing you to see and get to your baby easily. Most have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. They might also include a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of options, but we're particularly impressed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's a little smaller than other cribs that are bedside, which may be helpful in areas where space is scarce. Our mum testers agree that this is a great choice for those sleepless nights.
The cot is attached securely to the side of the bed by means of adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps in which your child may get trapped. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages the safest sleeping practices.
It is important to know that your baby will begin to climb out of their crib when they're capable of sitting upright typically around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping after they've outgrown their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is a further feature to consider. Some of our mothers love that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it However, some aren't able to put it together. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll have to wipe it clean often using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months and over is a bassinet shaped cot that attaches to the mattress's side to allow safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing 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 meet current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are spaced enough apart to avoid your child's head from being trapped and check that any sides that drop down are secured and don't open abruptly. Also, beware of any stickers or transfers on the cot surface as they can be an choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's a great size and has plenty of storage for all your baby's essentials. It's also small and light enough to fit into a travel bag, if you want to move it around. If you're looking for something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.