Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside crib allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without risking overheating or the risk of suffocation. It is designed to be attached to the sides of your bed, they're particularly helpful for c-section mums who are unable to get out of bed difficult.
MFM home test Emily found this bedside crib simple to put together and loved the mesh window to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It folds flat and slots into a handy travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib is an innovative crib that connects seamlessly to the parents bed to provide a convenient method for parents to take care of their baby at night. The crib lets parents access their child easily so that they can feed and comfort their child without having to leave the bed, which is beneficial for parents suffering from sleep deprivation in the first few months. It encourages healthy growth of the baby by creating an environment that is safe and comfortable.
A high-quality bedside cot crib should have solid connections and an anti-slip design for the bed's foot which reduces the chance of accidents which could result in harm to your baby. They will also conform to safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which helps to ensure your baby is secure and safe when they sleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress included in your crib is firm, not soft, and check for any gaps that could increase your baby's danger of suffocation or getting trapped.
Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers to your baby's crib, except if they were specifically made to be used in conjunction with a crib. They could pose danger to your child's safety and might not be up to the required safety standards. Also, make sure that any playthings your child utilizes in the crib are securely attached and doesn't extend out too far.
If you're unsure about a particular piece of equipment, ask other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for help and look for a product that is new and meets current safety standards, not second-hand or hand-me-downs. If you're looking to purchase a used crib, make sure you check it for damages and ensure that all components are present prior to purchasing it.
Another alternative is to buy the bassinet, which is like a cot, but generally, it is attached to your bed and doesn't have legs. These are perfect for newborns and are a great option when you are recovering from a c-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Keep your baby close to you at night with the Sweet2Sleep bedside crib. Ideal for feeding at midnight as well as heartfelt cuddles and comfort checks while you stay cosy in your own bed, this smart crib is loaded with features to help you bond and soothe your baby. Simply raise or lower the side rails of the crib with one hand to calm and comfort your infant or to provide secure monitoring of sleep. It features a gentle rocking function and an incline feature that can alleviate symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
It has a huge storage area underneath the crib that's perfect for nappies or blankets. It's also designed to fit divan beds which means you don't need to worry about your frame. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, robust and easy to move around from room to room. She also says that it's a bit heavier than other cribs for bed however this is due to additional features, such as the ability to rock or a reflux incline.
Mattresses that are firm are among the most important aspects to look for when choosing the crib. Mattresses that are soft can increase the chance of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. best bedside cot is also an ideal choice for your child as it is more comfortable and helps support healthy spinal growth.
You can purchase an individual crib mattress however we suggest investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your child has the best sleep possible. Check that the crib mattress meets British safety standards and that it's an appropriate size for your baby.
It's worth looking for the best price if you're considering buying an upholstered crib. Taking advantage of Black Friday sales is a great option to save money on these cribs. Make sure you purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are secure and meet the safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that you can place next to your bed. They're ideal to keep your newborn close to you so you can easily reach them for night feedings or soothe them back to sleep during nap time. They are also ideal for mothers who have had c-sections and struggle to get up in the middle of the night to care for their baby.
There's a variety of styles you can pick from, but some of the features that you may want to be looking for are:
Can it be cleaned by machine or does it require a hand-washable mattress cover? How big is the bed and can you raise or lower it to make it more suitable? What's the weight and is it easy to move around your home, particularly when you intend to use it in more than one room at the same time?
Jasmine, a mum tester, liked that the crib rotates. This made it easier for her to reach in and out of it to pick up her baby. She also liked the size, saying that it is not as large as a full-sized baby crib but it is larger than the standard Moses baskets. It's also comfortable for her infant. It is also easy to put together and folds flat for easy transportation. Some mums found it a little heavy, but this could be a problem for those who have mobility issues.
Another option to consider is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. This crib is different from other bedside cribs in that it doesn't come with a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that can be lower to reach baby. It's not quite as compact as other cribs once dismantled, however it is still transportable and comes with an included travel bag.
Some cribs can be converted into a toddler bed or cot with an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families looking to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the baby stage. However, it's not always necessary.
Budget
The best cribs for your bed are those that are near your bed, so that you can look after your baby, change diapers at night and feed your baby without having to get up from your bed. It is easy to fold or zip the sides down so you can grab them in the dark. They should also be breathable to provide comfort. Many will come with a mattress, which is crucial since you want it to be firm and flat rather than extremely soft or clumpy.
You should also factor in how easy it is to build - some cribs are simpler than others, with the more complex models costing more. Take into consideration whether the crib will work with your bed or not. Some cribs may only fit with a specific type of divan base. This could be a problem if have a bed frame that is more unique.
The Next2me Magic crib, which is popular with those who own 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 mum testers have given it a thumbs up, stating that it's well-constructed with high mesh sides that allow you to see your baby's face through. It has a shelf for nappies or blankets, and is lightweight at only 10kg.
The SnuzPod4 is an alternative. It is available in a variety of colours and our mums enjoy it. They love the simplicity of it, and how it's sleek, but still provides ample space for their baby to sleep comfortably, and they are enthralled by the extra features, like an incline option to aid with reflux, as well as the soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be bought for PS99 or less, making them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you are trying to save money on the initial cost of your purchase. Always follow the safe guidelines for sleeping and make sure the crib you choose is safe.