bedside cots uk Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby close to you without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with an increased risk of death from suffocation. They're a great choice for infants.
Look for models with an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on most bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. It is a great way to raise your baby towards you in the evening for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's also a great choice in the event of a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has high walls, so your baby won't fall out. Some models come with a tilt feature 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 safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be 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 chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you at night, but in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, check that it meets the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to get trapped. Look for a mattress with a flat, firm surface. A soft or sagging mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so go for a brand new mattress instead of a second-hand.
Lastly, look for a bedding that's fitted and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their faces. Use a fitted sheet, however, make sure it is properly fitted.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached 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's a great option for those with narrow or small beds since it does not take up much room.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is crucial as it will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a range of colors that match your decor. Some come with features like mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides to allow easier access. Some cribs also have incline features to ease reflux.
You can adjust the height of most cribs to match the height of your bed which makes it easier to get in and out of the bed. There are even some that are made to work as travel cots, which are great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mother and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold that saved space. She also loved that the crib's one side is lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping newborn without leaving her bed. This is particularly beneficial when you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said that it was easy to move from room to room, something she didn't get with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. She did mention that the handle was stiff and it took an enormous amount of effort to move the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors will fit in with all bedrooms, though some of our testers at home felt the bars were too close together, meaning they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head can't become trapped. This is a good crib for babies who have reflux because its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure when you are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. With a bedside crib you can do this without having to get out of bed. They also make it simple to help babies fall asleep. If you'd like to to sleep with your child but don't wish to be a burden of getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be a good option.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be affixed to the sides of your bed, allowing you to see and get to your baby easily. Most have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disrupting him. They might also have a reflux setting to help with colic or reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're amazed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which can be beneficial in areas with limited space. Our mom testers agree that this is still an excellent option for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child could become trapped. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages healthy sleeping habits.
It is important to be aware that your baby is likely to climb out of their crib when they're capable of sitting upright at around six months. This is why it's important to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is an additional aspect to consider. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it, but others aren't able to put it 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 cot suitable for 6 months and older is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the side of your mattress to ensure secure 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 choosing a bedside crib it is important to make sure that it complies with current safety standards. Verify that the bars are far enough apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that the sides that drop down are secure and don't open unexpectedly. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface as they could be a choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a good size and has plenty of storage space for all the baby necessities. It's also compact and lightweight enough to fit into a bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something a little more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.