Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside crib allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without putting your baby at risk of overheating or death by suffocation. These cribs are attached to the bedside and are particularly beneficial for mothers who are unable to get out of their bed.
MFM home test Emily found this crib easy to assemble, and loved the mesh window for breathability and baby visibility. It also folds flat and slots into an ideal travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib crib is a new crib that connects seamlessly to parents' beds, giving an easy way to take care of their baby during the night. The crib allows parents to easily reach their baby to comfort or feed them while they are in their bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who be suffering from sleep deprivation during the beginning of their pregnancy. It also aids in promoting the growth of the baby by providing a secure and comfortable sleep environment.
A good quality bedside crib will have a a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the mattress's foot which reduces the risk of accidents that could result in harm to your baby. They also meet safety standards, such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure your baby is safe and secure while they sleep. Make sure that the mattress in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, check for any gaps or holes that could increase your child's risk of suffocation.
Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers to your baby's crib except if they were specifically intended to be used in conjunction with a crib. They could pose an extremely risk to safety, and may not be up to the required safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any toy your baby plays with in the crib is securely attached and doesn't protrude out too far.
If you're uncertain about a piece of equipment, consult other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for help, and make sure you look for a product that is new and meets current safety standards, instead of secondhand or hand-me-downs. Examine the crib for any damage prior to purchasing it.
Another alternative is to purchase an infant bassinet. It's like a cot, but usually is attached to your bed and does not have legs. They are great for newborns and are a great option for those recovering from the 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 snug in your bed, this smart crib is packed with features to aid in bonding and soothing your newborn. Simply lift or lower the side rail of the crib using one hand to soothe your little one or for secure sleep monitoring. It also features a soft rocking mode and incline function to ease the symptoms of reflux, including indigestion or tummy pain.
It has a huge storage space beneath the crib that's perfect for nappies and 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 and sturdy and easy to move around from room to room. She adds that it's heavier than other cribs for bed but that's due to the additional features like a rocking mode and reflux upwards.
One of the most important things to look for in a crib is a mattress that is firm. Mattresses with soft mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm is better for your baby since it's more comfortable and aids in healthy spinal growth.
You can purchase a crib mattress on its own however we recommend investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your little one will get the best quality sleep possible. Verify that the mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and that it's a suitable size for your baby.
If you're considering buying a bedside crib, it's worth doing some careful shopping around to ensure you're getting the best deal. Making use of Black Friday sales is a great way to save money on these useful cribs. Make sure you purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are safe and meet the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet to your bed. These cribs are ideal to keep your baby close so that you can access them easily for evening feedings and help them back to sleep during nap time. They are also ideal for mothers who have had c-sections but find it hard to get up in the middle of the night to look after their infant.
There's a variety of styles to pick from, but some characteristics that you might like to look for are:
Can it be cleaned by machine or does it require an unwashable mattress cover? What is the size of the mattress and can it be raised or lower to fit your bed? What's the weight and is it easy to move around your home, especially when you intend to use it in more than one room at one time?
Mum test subject Jasmine particularly loved the fact that the crib can swivel, which made it easier to reach in and out of to pick up her newborn. She also liked the size, stating that it is not as big as a traditional crib but it's larger than the standard Moses baskets. It is also comfortable for her infant. It's also easy to build and can be folded flat, making it easy to transport. It was somewhat heavy for some moms, which could be an issue for those with 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. The crib differs from the rest because it does not have a drop down panel, but instead has an adjustable side that you can lower to reach your baby. bedside cot wooden 's not as compact when dismantled like other cribs, but it's still fairly mobile and comes with a travel bag that makes it easy to store.
Some cribs can transform into a toddler bed or cot with an expansion kit. This is a great option for families planning to extend the duration of their baby's sleeping space far beyond the newborn stage, but isn't always required.
Budget
The best bedside cribs will sit right by your bed, so that you can watch your baby and attend to the needs of feeding and changing nappies without having to get out of bed. They'll typically have sides that fold or zip down easily, so you can reach over in the dark to grab them, and they should also be breathable to ensure comfort. Most will come with mattresses, which are important because you want it to be a bit firm and flat, not super-soft or lumpy.
You must also consider how easy it is to assemble - some are much simpler than others, with the more complex models costing more. Consider whether the crib is designed to fit your own bed or not. Some cribs may only work with a specific type of divan base, which could be an issue if you have a more unusual bedframe.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a good choice for those with divan beds. It was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Our mom testers have given it the thumbs up, stating that it's well-constructed with mesh sides that allow you to see baby's face through. It comes with a shelf to store nappies or blankets, and is lightweight at only 10kg.
The SnuzPod4 is an alternative. It comes in a variety of colors and our moms enjoy it. They appreciate the simplicity of it, and how it's elegant, yet still offers plenty of space for baby to rest comfortably. And they love the additional features, like incline options to help with reflux and an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs are available for PS99 or less, which makes them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you are looking to cut costs on the initial cost of your purchase. Always follow safe sleeping guidelines and make sure the crib you select is secure.