bedside crib with wheels cot 6 months plus (read here)

bedside crib travel cot sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you, without the risks of sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice for infants.

Find models with an adjustable height which will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.

Safety

A bedside cot is an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side to ensure secure co-sleeping. You can use it to pull baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting. it's also a great option in the event of a C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides, so your baby won't fall out. Some models have tilt features that can help babies with colic or reflux. 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 bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents however, not in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to rest close to you but in a secure and separate space.

Make sure the crib is compliant with the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, ensure there aren't any gaps or parts that could allow your child to get trapped. Also, look for a mattress that's sturdy and flat. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so choose for a new one rather than second-hand.

Find bedding that is well-fitted and free of loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets could get stuck on the baby's face. It is a good idea to make use of a fitted sheet instead but ensure it's sized correctly.

Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It attaches securely to the bed and comes with an adjustable height to ensure a perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It's a good choice for people with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up too much space.

Design

It is essential to think about the style of your crib at night, as this will be where you baby will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available in a choice of colours to match your decor and include features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some cribs come with incline features to aid with reflux.

Most cribs can also be adjusted to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get into and out of bed at time of night. You can also find a few that are designed to work as travel cots, which are great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.

Leya Leya, an MFM mom and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold which saved space. She also liked the fact that the crib's one side can be raised, letting her to pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial in the event that you've had an emergency C-section or recovering from the effects of a Caesarean, as it allows you to sleep close to your baby for a longer period of time.

Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room room, something she didn't get with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. She did note that the handle was stiff and required a lot of effort to lift the crib.

The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which 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 fit in with all bedrooms, though some of our testers at home felt the bars were too close, which means they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting stuck. This is a great crib for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.

Comfort

Staying close to your baby all night will give you peace of mind, however, you should be able to reach them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside, you can do this without getting out of your bed. They also make it easier to help babies fall asleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child but do not wish to be a burden of getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an excellent alternative.

The majority of cribs for bedside baby bed are connected to the bedside which allows you to be able to see and reach your baby. They usually have a mesh window to allow you to check on your baby without disrupting them. They may also have a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.

The crib is loaded with a variety of features, but we're most impressed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs that could be useful in areas with limited space. However, our mom testers are in agreement that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.

The cot is attached securely to the side of the bed by means of adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child may get trapped. It comes with an even, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and promotes good sleep habits.

One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may start to climb out of the crib once they're able to sit up typically around six months. This is why it's essential to put 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 enjoy the fact that the crib can be dismantled to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it a bit difficult to assemble and put back together. It's also a challenge to keep clean and therefore you'll have to clean it regularly with a cloth and cleaning product.

Storage

A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and up is a bassinet-style bed that can be attached to the mattress's side for safe co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, night feedings and allowing mums who had a c section to keep their baby close.

It is essential to select cribs that are in line with the current safety standards. Verify that the bars on the crib are spaced sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, stay clear of any transfer or stickers on the cot surface as they could be an choking hazard.

Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib, and Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and offers plenty of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It's also small and light enough to be able to fit in a bag for travel, should you want to move it around. If you're looking for something a little simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.