Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby to you without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with an increased risk of being suffocated. They are a great option for babies. Find models with an adjustable height position that gives a perfect fit on most bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean. small bedside cot is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side for secure co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby towards you to comfort them, feed them or to help soothe them at night. It's also a great option if you had a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has high walls, so your baby won't escape. Some models come with tilting features that help babies with colic and reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to carry 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 parents however, not in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds by giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you throughout the night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space. When selecting a crib that is bedside, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your child to become trapped. Also, look for mattresses that are firm and flat. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS in your baby. Finally, you should look for bedding that is affixed and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets could get stuck to baby's face. It is a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet but ensure it's sized correctly. Our MFM mom testers have discovered 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 secured to the bed, and it has an adjustable height for a perfect fit. It also has a rocking function and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It is a great option for those with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up any space. Design The layout of a bedside crib is crucial as it is 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 match your decor. Some come with features like mesh windows to keep the baby visible or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Some cribs have incline features to help with reflux. You can raise and lower most cribs to match your bed height, making it easier to get in and out of bed. You can even find some that are designed to work as travel cots, which are great when you're traveling or visiting relatives. Leya Leya, an MFM mum and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also appreciated its compact fold which saved space. She also appreciated the fact that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial when you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer period of time. Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was simple to move from room to room - something she couldn't find with some of the other cribs for bedside that she tried. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and it took quite a bit of effort to raise the crib. 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 or Moses Basket. The neutral colours 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 clothes. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is ideal for babies with reflux too, as its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate temperature. Comfort Keeping your baby close all night will provide peace of mind, however, you should be in a position to be able to get them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib that is placed near the bed, you can do this without having to get out of your bed. They also make it easy to soothe babies back to sleep. If you want to to sleep with your child but don't want to hassle with getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses-basket is an excellent alternative. Most cribs that are bedside can be positioned on the sides of your bed that allows you to see and reach your baby easily. They typically come with a mesh window, which allows you to observe your baby without having to disturb them. They may also include a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic. We're amazed by the amount of features that are included on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than other bedside 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 securely attached to the side of your bed with adjustable straps, which minimizes the chance of gaps where your baby may get caught. It has a firm, flat mattress that complies with safety standards and encourages good sleeping habits. It is important to be aware that your baby will begin to leave their crib once they are standing up at around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib. Another feature to think about is how light the cot is and whether it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers love the fact that this crib can be disassembled to transport it however, others find it difficult to assemble. It can also be difficult to keep clean and therefore you'll have to clean it regularly using a cloth or cleaning product. Storage A bedside cot for 6 months and up is a bassinet-style bed that can be attached to the mattress's side for secure co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close. It's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current safety standards. Check that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers onto the surface of the cot because they could pose an choking risk. Emily's bedside cot of choice 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's a decent size with plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also light and compact enough to fit in a travel bag if you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.