Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep safely with your baby without the danger of suffocation or overheating. The cribs are designed to attach to the side of your bed, they're beneficial for mothers of c-sections who are finding getting out of bed a challenge.
MFM home test Emily found this crib easy to assemble, and she loved the mesh windows to allow for airflow and visibility for babies. It also folds flat and slots into bags for travel.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is a new crib that connects seamlessly to parents' beds to give an easy way to take care of their baby at night. This crib allows them to access their child easily so that they can feed and comfort them without leaving the bed, which is beneficial for parents suffering from sleep deprivation in the early months. It also assists in encouraging the growth of the baby by providing a secure and comfortable environment for sleeping.
A top-quality bedside crib will have a solid connection and an anti-slip design at the bottom of the bed. This helps to reduce the chance of accidents that could hurt your baby. They also meet safety standards like BS EN 1130, which ensures that your baby is secure and safe while they sleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress that comes with your crib is firm instead of soft, and look for any gaps which could increase your baby's risk of suffocation or entrapment.
Avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers for your baby's crib except if they were specifically made to be used with a crib. They can be a serious safety hazard and might not be up to the required safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any toys or items your baby is playing with in the crib are securely attached, and that they do not protrude too far of the crib's edges.
If you're not sure about a particular piece of equipment, you can always ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for advice and search for a product that is brand new and complies with current safety standards, instead of secondhand or hand-me-downs. If you're looking to purchase an older crib, make sure you examine it thoroughly for any damages and ensure that all parts are there before purchasing it.
Another option is to invest in an infant bassinet. It's similar to a cot but usually is attached to your bed and doesn't have legs. They are great for newborns and are ideal if you are recovering from a c-section. They keep your baby close to you at all times.
Size
Keep baby close to you at night with the Sweet2Sleep bedside crib. This crib is a clever design with many features that will allow you to bond with your baby and soothe them. It is ideal for feeding at night cuddles, cuddles, and comfort check-ups. It is easy to raise or lower the crib's side rail with just one hand to help soothe and comfort your child to monitor your child's sleep. It has a gentle rocking function and an incline function to alleviate symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
It has a huge storage area underneath the crib that is ideal for nappies and blankets. It's also designed to fit divan beds so you don't have to worry about your frame. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, sturdy and easy to move from room to room. She also says that it's a bit heavier than other bedside cribs, but 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 features to look for when choosing a crib. This helps reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of being suffocated. A mattress that is firm is a healthier choice for your child as it's more comfortable and supports healthy growth of the spine.
You can buy a crib mattress on its own however we recommend buying a high-end model to ensure that your child will get the best quality sleep possible. Check that the mattress meets British safety standards and is the right size for your child.
It's worthwhile to shop around for the best price in case you're thinking about purchasing a crib for your bed. Taking advantage of Black Friday sales is a fantastic way to save money on these useful cribs. Remember that you should always purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are safe and meet the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that attaches to the bed's side. These cribs are ideal to keep your baby close so that you can reach them easily for night feedings and soothe them back into sleep during nap time. These are also great for mums who have had c-sections and are unable to get up in the middle night to take care of their baby.
There are a wide variety of styles you can pick from, but some of the features that you might like to look out for include:
How easy it is to keep clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is an easy-to-clean mattress cover required? How big is the mattress and can it be lowered or raised adjusted to fit your bed? What is 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 tester Jasmine particularly loved the fact that the crib swivels, which made it easier to reach into and out of to take her baby. She also admired the size of the crib and said it's not as big as a standard crib, but it's larger than the standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also easy to build and folds flat, which makes it easy to move. It was somewhat heavy for some moms and could be a problem 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 or Moses Basket category. bedside cot used is different from other cribs in that it does not include a drop-down panel, but instead has an adjustable side you can lower to allow you to reach your baby. It's not as compact when dismantled as some other bedside cribs however, it's still portable and comes with a travel bag for easy storage.
Some cribs can convert into a toddler bed or cot by using an expansion kit. This is a great feature for families who are looking to extend the lifespan of their baby's sleeping space long past the infant stage, but isn't always required.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use will sit right by your bed, so that you can watch your baby and take care of feedings at night and changing nappy without getting out of bed. They'll usually 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 for your comfort. Most will come with beds, which are ideal since you do not want it to be too hard or clumpy.
The price of more complicated models will be higher. Consider whether the crib will fit your bed or not. Some cribs may only work with a specific type of divan base, which could be an issue if you have a unique bed frame.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great option for those who have divan beds, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the The Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-made with high-quality mesh sides to let you see the baby's face. Our mum testers gave it a thumbs up. It also comes with a useful storage shelf for nappies and blankets and is light at 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is another option. It comes in a variety of colors and our moms love it. They love the fact that it's slim and sleek, but still provides plenty of space for baby to rest comfortably. And they appreciate the additional features, like incline options to help with reflux and a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be bought for PS99 or less, making them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you're looking to save on the initial cost of your purchase. Always remember to follow safe sleep guidance but also ensure that the crib you buy is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.