7 Simple Strategies To Completely Moving Your Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you without the dangers of sharing a bed. They are also a great choice for infants.
Find models with an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit on all bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy to clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed to ensure secure co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby towards you for comfort, feeding or soothing at night. It's also a great alternative if you've had a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides to ensure your baby won't be pushed out. Some models have a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They are also slightly bigger 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 in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parent but not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep with you however, in a secure and separate space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the latest safety standards. It should be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure there aren't any gaps or parts where your baby could get trapped. Find a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A sagging or too soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress rather than second-hand.
Find bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are loose. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can be a hazard on the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, however, make sure it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mother testers as a crib for bedside use. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is securely attached to the bed, and has an adjustable height for a perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It's also a great choice for those with small or narrow beds since it does not take up much space.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is crucial as it will be the place where your child will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a choice of colours to match your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow you to reach it. Some cribs come with incline features to aid with reflux.
The majority of cribs can be raised and lowered to fit the height of your bed, making it simple to get into and out of the bed at time of night. You can even find some that are designed to function as travel cribs, which are ideal when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mother and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also appreciated its compact fold which saved space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of crib can be adjusted to lower, letting her pick up her baby without having to leave the bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay near your baby for longer.
Jasmine is another mum who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to the next - something she did not find with other bedside cribs. However, she did note that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib because the handle was rigid.
Another crib that's 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. Its slim frame and neutral colors will work well in all bedrooms, though some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close, which means they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The distance between the bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is also suitable for babies who have reflux, as the ComfortAir air-tight system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure when you can quickly reach your baby to feed them during the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside you can do this without getting out of your bed. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies into sleep. If you'd like to to sleep with your child but don't want the hassle of having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal alternative.
Most bedside cribs are attached to the bedside, so you can easily access and touch your baby. They typically have a mesh window so you can check on your baby without having to disturb them. You can also find a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
This crib has a lot of features, but we're most impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. However, our mum testers agree that it's still an excellent option for those long sleeps.
The cot is secured to the bed's side with adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child may get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy, flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes safe sleep habits.
It is important to be aware that your baby will begin to climb out of their crib when they are capable of sitting upright typically around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the crib is and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers love that this crib can easily be disassembled for transport however, others aren't able to put it together. It can be a challenge to clean so you will need to wipe it down often using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for six months and older is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the mattress's side to ensure secure co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select a crib that meets the current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the surface of the cot since they could be a choking risk.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. bedside cot newborn was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot and Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and has lots of storage space to store all your baby essentials. It's also small and lightweight enough to fit into a bag for travel, should you want to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.