Watch Out: How Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus Is Taking Over And How To Stop It
Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same space with you without the dangers associated with sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice for infants.
Find 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 an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby towards you for comfort, feeding or to soothe your baby at the end of the night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides, so your baby can't be pushed out. Some models have a tilt function that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be placed in their own bassinet or cot in the same room with their parent, but not in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds by allowing your baby to be close to you at night, but still in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
Check that the crib meets the latest safety standards. It should be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure there aren't any gaps or parts where your baby could get trapped. Find a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Find bedding that is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet, but ensure that it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mum test participants as a crib that is suitable for use in bed. It has been nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secure to the bed and features an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It features a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined angle for reflux. It is also an excellent choice for those who have bed sizes that are small or narrow, as it does not take up the entire space.
Design
It is important to consider the style of your crib at night, as this will be where you baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a range of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides that facilitate access. Some even have incline functions to help with reflux.
Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get into and out of your bed at time of night. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is great for when you are travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mum and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also appreciated its compact fold, which helped save space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of the crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is especially helpful if you've had an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby 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 find with some of the other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, bedside cot for twins did note that it required some effort to raise 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 the majority of bedrooms, but some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from becoming trapped. This crib is ideal for reflux babies too because its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if you can reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib that is placed near the bed it is possible to do this without having to get out of the bed. They also make it easy to calm babies back to sleep. If you'd like to lay down with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of getting out of bed for every feeding moses baskets are a better choice.
Most cribs that are bedside can be positioned on the side of your bed, allowing you to see and access your baby easily. They often have a mesh window to allow you to check on your baby without having to disturb them. They may also have a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.
We're impressed with the number of features that are included on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is a great choice for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is attached securely to the side of the bed using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child can get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages safe sleep habits.
It is important to know that your baby is likely to get out of their crib once they are standing up at about six months old. It is essential to place your baby in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping after they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is another option to think about. Some of our mothers are thrilled the fact that this crib can be disassembled for transport However, some aren't able to put it together. It's also a challenge to keep clean and you'll need to regularly wipe it down with a cloth and cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot 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 calming babies to sleep, night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is important to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are far enough apart to avoid your baby's head becoming trapped. Also, make sure that 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 because they could be an 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 Cot or Crib, and Best Moses Basket. It's a great size and offers plenty of storage space to store all your baby essentials. It's also compact and light enough to fit into its travel bag if you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something simpler her recommendation is Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.