Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs allow you to sleep safely with your baby without the danger of overheating or suffocation. It is designed to be attached to the side of your bed, they're especially helpful for c-section mums who find getting out of bed painful.
MFM home tester Emily found this crib to be easy to put together, and she loved the mesh windows to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It folds flat, and fits into bags for travel.
Safety
A bedside crib is a unique crib that is seamlessly connected to the parents' bed to provide a comfortable method for them to take care of their baby during the night. The crib lets parents easily reach their baby so that they can comfort or feed them without leaving bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who be suffering from sleep deprivation during the first few months. It promotes healthy growth for the baby by creating a safe and comfortable environment.
A high-quality bedside crib will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design at the foot of the bed. This reduces the risk of accidents that could harm your baby. These cribs will also meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130, which ensures that your baby is secure and safe when they sleep. Check that 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 pillows, duvets or baby bumpers to your baby's crib, in the event that they were not intended to be used in conjunction with a crib. They can pose danger to your child's safety and might not meet the safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any playthings your child plays with in the crib is securely secured and does not protrude out too far.
If you're not sure about a particular piece of equipment, you can ask other parents in an 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, not second-hand or used cribs. Make sure the crib is free of damage prior to purchasing it.
A bassinet is an alternative. It's similar to a crib but is usually fixed to your bed. It does not have legs. These are perfect for newborns and are ideal if you are recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Keep your baby close to you at night with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. Perfect for feeding your baby at night or heartfelt cuddles, as well as comfort checks while you stay cozy in your bed, this crib is loaded with features to aid in bonding and soothing your newborn. Simply lift or lower the side rail of the crib with one hand to calm and comfort your baby or for safe sleep monitoring. It has an easy rocking feature and an incline feature to alleviate symptoms such as indigestion and stomach pain.
It has a large storage compartment underneath the crib, which is ideal for nappies and blankets. It's also designed to be used with divan beds (check the specifications for specific ones that may require straps that are longer) So you don't have to worry about your bed frame. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size and robust and easy to move from room to room. She also says that it's a little heavier than other bedside cribs however this is because of the additional features like the rocking mode and reflux incline.
One of the most important aspects to look for in a crib is a mattress that is firm. This can reduce the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of being suffocated. A firm mattress can be more beneficial for your baby, as it is more comfortable and promotes healthy spinal development.
You can buy a crib mattress on its own, but we recommend buying a high-end model to ensure that your baby will get the best quality sleep possible. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and that it's an appropriate size for your baby.
It's worthwhile to shop around for the best price if you're considering buying a crib for your bed. Black Friday is a great occasion to buy these cribs for a price that is lower. Be sure to buy cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are safe and meet the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that can be attached to the sides of your bed. They're great to keep your baby close to you so that you can easily reach them for evening feedings or help them go back to sleep during nap time. my sources for mums who have had c-sections and are unable to get up in the middle night to care for their baby.
There are a variety of styles available however, you should search for the following characteristics:
How easy it is to keep it clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is an easy-to-clean mattress cover required? What size is the bed and can you adjust it to accommodate? What is the weight and is it easy to move around your home, especially in the event that you plan to use it in more than one room at the same time?
Mum test subject Jasmine particularly liked the fact that this crib is able to swivel, making it easier to reach into and out of to grab her baby. She also liked the size, saying that it's not as large as a standard crib for babies, but it's larger than standard Moses baskets. It is also comfortable for her infant. It's also simple to put together and it folds flat, making it easy to transport. Some moms complained that it was to be a bit heavy, however, and this could be a problem for those who have mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you can consider. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. This crib is different from others in that it does not have a drop-down panel, but instead has an adjustable side that you can lower to reach your baby. It's not as compact like other cribs, but it's still fairly mobile and comes with a travel bag that makes it easy to store.
Some cribs can be converted into a cot or toddler by using an expansion kit. This is a great feature for families who are planning to extend the duration of their baby's bed well beyond the infant stage, but isn't always required.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use can be placed right next to your bed, so that you can keep an eye on baby and tend to the needs of feeding and changing nappies without needing 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 pick them up and they'll be breathable for your comfort. The majority will have a bed, which is ideal as you do not want it to be too soft or lumpy.
It is also important to consider the ease of put together - some cribs are more simple than others, and the more complex models costing more. Also, think about whether the crib is made to fit your bed or not. Some cribs may only fit with a specific type of divan base. This could be a problem for you if you have a bedframe that is more unique.
The Next2me Magic crib, which is a favorite among those who have a divan is a great choice for those who already own one. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Award in the category of the Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket. Our mums who have tested it have given it the thumbs up, stating that it's made with mesh sides that allow you to see baby's face through. It also comes with a handy storage shelf for nappies and blankets and is surprisingly light at 10kg.
Another alternative is the SnuzPod4, which comes in a variety of colors and our mothers have been really positive about it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim and elegant option that offers plenty of room for baby to relax comfortably. Our mums also love the features, such as the incline option that aid in reflux, and a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less which makes them an affordable alternative to a Moses basket when you're trying to save money on an initial purchase. Always adhere to safe guidelines for sleeping and make sure the crib you pick is safe.