Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus

Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby close to you are without the risk of sharing a bed, which is associated with a higher chance of death from suffocation. They're a great choice for babies.

Look for models with an adjustable height position that allows for a perfect fit on all bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.

Safety

A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet which is connected to the bed's side for safe sleeping. It can be used to lift baby up towards you at night for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's also a great option in the event of an C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides, so your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They are also slightly 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 in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parent, but not in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to sleep close to you but in a secure and separate space.

When you are choosing a crib for your bed make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to become trapped. Also, look for mattresses that are firm and flat. A soft or sagging mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so go for a new one rather than second-hand.

Find bedding that is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can get stuck to the baby's face. It's best to make use of a fitted sheet instead however, make sure it's fitted correctly.

Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, selected for 2021's Mother&baby bedside crib Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed, and it is adjustable to ensure an ideal fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is also a great option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow, as it does not take up any space.

Design

The layout of a bedside sleeper cot crib is important as it will be the area where your 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 the baby visible or drop-down sides that facilitate access. Some cribs also have incline features to ease reflux.

Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it easy to get in and out of bed at the end of the night. You can even find some that are made to work as travel cot bedside cots, which is great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.

Home tester and MFM mum Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complements her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was perfect to save space. She also appreciated the fact that the crib's one side can be adjusted to lower, letting her pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful if you've had a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can remain close to your baby for longer.

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

The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that 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 colour options will work well in the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers thought the bars were too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from becoming trapped. This crib is ideal for reflux babies too because its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate temperature.

Comfort

Staying close to your baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you should be capable of reaching them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. With a crib that is placed near the bed it is possible to do this without having to get out of bed. They also make it simple to soothe babies back to sleep. If you'd like to to lay down with your child but do not want to hassle with getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is an excellent option.

The majority of cribs for bedside are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily access and touch your baby. They often come with a mesh window, to allow you to check on your baby without disrupting them. There is also an option to treat reflux that can help with reflux and colic.

This crib has a lot of features, but we're amazed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs that could be useful in areas with limited space. But our mum testers all agree that it's still an excellent option for those long sleeps.

The cot is secured to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps that your child might get trapped. It also comes with a firm flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping habits.

One thing to bear in mind is that your baby could begin to climb out of the crib when they're able to sit up, usually around six months. This is why it's important to put them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.

Another thing to consider is how lightweight the crib is, and if it's suitable for travelling. Some of our mothers enjoy the fact that the crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, but others find it a bit difficult to assemble and put back together. It's also a challenge to keep clean, so you'll need regularly clean it with a cloth and cleaning product.

Stores

A bedside crib that turns into cot cot that is 6 months old plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds and calming babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.

When selecting a crib that is bedside travel cot, it's important to make sure that it complies with current safety standards. Check that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer onto the surface of the cot because they could be the risk of choking.

Emily's favorite bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot, and the Best Moses Basket. It is a good size with plenty of storage for all your baby's essentials. It's also compact and light enough to be able to fit in its travel bag if you need to move it around. If you're looking for something a little more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air beside crib.