Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cribs allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby without the danger of suffocation or overheating. It is designed to be attached to the side of your bed, they're helpful for c-section mums who find getting out of bed a challenge.
MFM home test Emily found this crib easy to assemble, and she loved the mesh windows to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It folds flat and can be put into a a handy travel bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is an innovative crib which is able to connect seamlessly to the parents' beds to provide parents with a convenient method to take care of their baby at night. This crib allows them to reach their baby easily so they can feed and comfort them without having to leave the bed, which is helpful for new parents who suffer from sleep deprivation during those first few months. It also aids in promoting the growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
A high-quality bedside crib will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design on the foot of the bed. This reduces the risk of accidents that could harm your baby. They also meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130, which assures your baby is secure and protected when they sleep. Make sure the mattress in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, look for any gaps or holes that could increase your child's risk of suffocation.
Avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers for your baby's crib, in the event that they were not made to be used with a crib. They can be danger to your child's safety and may not meet the required safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any toys or objects your baby plays with in the crib are securely secured to the crib, and don't protrude too far out of the edges.
Ask other parents for their advice in case you are uncertain about certain pieces of equipment. Also, look for products that are new and have met current safety standards rather than those that have been passed down or used. If you're looking to purchase a used crib, check it thoroughly for damage and make sure all the parts are there before purchasing it.
A bassinet is another option. It is similar to a crib but is usually fixed to your bed. It does not have legs. These are perfect for newborns and are a great option if you are recovering from the c-section. They keep your baby close to you at all times.
Size
Keep baby right next to you during the night with the Sweet2Sleep bedside crib. Perfect for midnight feeds or heartfelt cuddles, as well as comfort checks while you are cosy in your own bed, this clever crib comes with features that aid in bonding and soothing your newborn. Simply raise or lower the side rail of the crib using one hand to soothe your infant or to provide secure monitoring of sleep. It also features a soft rocking mode and an incline function to help relieve symptoms of reflux, such as indigestion or tummy pain.
It comes with a huge storage compartment beneath the crib, perfect for blankets and nappies. It's also designed to be used with divan beds (check the specifications because some might require straps that are longer) and you don't need to worry about your bed frame. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, robust and easy to move around from room to room. She also noted that it is a little heavier than other cribs for bed, but this is due to additional features such as the rocking mode and reflux incline.
One of the most important aspects to look for in a crib is its firm mattress. Mattresses with soft mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress is also a healthier choice for your baby since it's more comfortable and supports healthy growth of the spine.
You can buy a crib mattress separately however we recommend purchasing a top quality model to ensure that your little one has the best sleep possible. Verify that the mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and is a suitable size for your baby.
If you're considering purchasing a bedside cot crib, it's worth doing some research to ensure you're getting the best price. Utilizing Black Friday sales is a fantastic way to save money on these useful cribs. It's recommended to purchase a crib directly from the manufacturer directly so you can be certain of its quality and ensure that it meets the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that can be attached to the sides of your bed. They're ideal to keep your newborn close to you so you can easily reach them for evening feedings or to soothe them to sleep during nap times. They're also a godsend for mums recovering from c-section births, who can find it difficult to get out of bed to tend to their baby in the middle of the night.
There are many different styles available but you should look for the following qualities:
Can it be cleaned by machine or do you need an easy-to-clean mattress cover? How big is the mattress and can it be lowered or raised lower to fit your bed? How much does it weigh and is it easy to move around your home, particularly if you plan to use it in more than one room at one time?
Mum test-taker Jasmine particularly liked the fact that this crib swivels, which made it easier to reach in and out of to take her newborn. She also liked its size and said it's not as big as a traditional crib, but is bigger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also simple to put together and folds flat, which makes it easy to carry. Some moms complained that it was somewhat heavy, but this may be an issue for those who have mobility issues.
bedside crib or cot to think about is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. This is distinct from other cribs for beds in that it doesn't have a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that you can lower to allow baby to get closer. It's not quite as compact as other cribs, but it is still mobile and comes with an included travel bag.
Other cribs are designed to be converted into a toddler bed or cot with an expansion kit. This can be a useful feature for families who are planning to extend the life of their baby's sleeping space long past the newborn stage, but isn't always required.
Budget
The best bedside cribs are those that sit close to your bed so that you can look after your baby, change diapers at night, and feed your baby without getting up from your bed. They'll typically have sides that fold or zip down easily, so you can reach over in the dark to scoop them up and they'll also be breathable for your comfort. Most will come with beds, which are ideal because you don't want it to be too hard or clumpy.
You should also factor in the ease of build - some cribs are easier than others, with the more complex models costing more. Finally, consider whether the crib is designed to fit your own bed or not. Some cribs may only work with a specific kind of divan base, which can be a problem if you have a more unusual bedframe.
The Next2me Magic crib, that is popular with parents who have a divan is a great option for those who already have one. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the category of the best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket. Our mums who have tested it have given it the positive review, saying that it's made with high mesh sides that you can see your baby's face through. It comes with a shelf to store nappies or blankets and weighs just 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is another option. It comes in a variety of colours and our mums love it. They love the design, which is slim and elegant, yet still offers ample space for babies to sleep comfortably, and they are enthralled by the extra features, including incline options to help with reflux and a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both these cribs are available for PS99 or less which makes them a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket if you're trying to save money on an initial investment. You should always remember to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping but also ensure that the crib you purchase conforms to the Lullaby Trust code for safety.