Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs allow you to sleep safely with your baby without the danger of overheating or suffocation. The cribs are designed to attach to the sides of your bed, they're especially useful for mothers who are finding getting out of bed a challenge.
Emily Emily, an MFM home tester, found the bedside crib easy to put together and loved the mesh windows that allow for airflow and a clear view of the baby. It also folds flat and slots into bags for travel.
Safety
A bedside cot crib is an innovative crib that connects seamlessly to the parents bed to provide a comfortable method for parents to care for their baby during the night. The crib lets parents reach their baby easily so they can feed and comfort their child without having to leave the bed, which is useful for new parents suffering from sleep apnea during those first few months. It also assists in encouraging the development of a healthy baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.
A quality bedside cot crib should have a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the foot of the bed which reduces the risk of accidents that could cause injury to your baby. The cribs also have safety standards such as BS EN 1130, which assures your baby is safe and secure when they sleep. You should also ensure the mattress that comes with your crib is firm instead of soft, and check for any gaps that could increase your child's danger of suffocation or getting trapped.
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 safety standards. Also, make sure that any playthings your child plays with in the crib is securely attached and doesn't extend too far.
If you're uncertain about a particular piece of equipment, you can always ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for help, and make sure you look for a product that is brand new and meets current safety standards, instead of second-hand or used cribs. Make sure the crib is free of damage before buying it.
A bassinet is another option. It is similar to a crib, but is usually fixed to your bed. It does not have legs. They are great for newborns and are a great option when you are recovering from the c-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close by during the night. This clever crib has many features that aid you in bonding with your newborn and soothe them. It is perfect for feeding at night cuddles, cuddles, and comfort checks. It is easy to raise or lower the side rail of the crib with only one hand, to help soothe and comfort your child for safe sleep monitoring. It also has a gentle 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 designed to fit divan beds so you won'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 around from room to room. She also noted that it is a little heavier than other cribs for beds however this is due to additional features such as the rocking mode and reflux incline.
One of the most important things to look for in a crib is its mattress that is firm. This reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) because soft mattresses increase the chance of the suffocation. bedside cot mattress that is firm will be healthier for your baby, as it is more comfortable and helps to promote healthy spinal development.
You can buy an individual crib mattress however we suggest buying a high-end model to ensure that your child has the best sleep possible. Check that the crib mattress meets British safety standards and is the right size for your baby.
It's worthwhile to shop around for the best price when you're thinking of buying a bedside crib. Making use of Black Friday sales is a great way to save money on these useful cribs. Make sure you buy cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are safe and meet the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that can be attached to the bed's side. 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 times. They're also great for mums who have had csections and struggle to get up in the middle of the night to look after their baby.
There's a variety of styles you can pick from, but some characteristics that you might like to look out for include:
How easy it is to keep it clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is an easy-to-clean mattress cover a must? What size is the mattress and can it be raised or lowered 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?
Jasmine who was a mom test subject, was pleased the crib's swivelling feature. This made it easier for her to reach in and out of it to pick up her baby. She also appreciated the size of it, saying it's not as large as a full-sized crib but is bigger than typical Moses baskets and is a comfortable crib for babies. It is also easy to put together and folds up flat for easy transport. Some mums found it a little heavy, however, and this could be a problem for those with mobility issues.
Another alternative 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. This is distinct from other cribs for beds in that it does not have drop-down panels, but instead an adjustable side that can be lower to reach baby. It's not as compact when dismantled like other cribs however, it's still lightweight and comes with a bag for easy storage.
Other cribs are designed to convert into a toddler bed or cot using an expansion kit. This feature can be useful for families who want to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the baby stage. However, it's not always necessary.
Budget
The best bedside cribs can be placed right next to your bed, so you can watch your baby and take care of feedings at night and changing nappy without getting out of your own bed. They'll usually have sides that fold or zip down easily so you can reach over in the dark to pick them up and they'll also be breathable to ensure comfort. The majority will have beds, which are ideal since you do not want it to be too hard or clumpy.
It is also important to consider how easy it is to assemble - some are much easier than others, with the more complex models costing more. Consider whether the crib is made to fit your own bed or not. Some cribs are only compatible with a particular type of divan base, which could be an issue if you have a bed that is more unique.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great choice for those with a divan bed, and was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for 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 mom testers liked it and gave it a thumbs-up. It also has a convenient storage shelf to store nappies and blankets and is surprisingly light at 10kg.
The SnuzPod4 is an alternative. It comes in many colors, and our mothers love it. They love the design, which is slim and sleek, yet it offers ample space for babies to sleep comfortably, and they appreciate the additional features, including incline options to help with reflux, as well as the soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs are available for PS99 or less, which makes them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you're looking to save on the initial cost of your purchase. Always follow the safe sleeping guidelines and ensure that the crib you pick is safe.