Bedside Crib and Cot
A crib or bedside cot can be easily reached for night feedings and soothing. Most cribs have adjustable heights and a mattress that is flat and breathable. This helps your baby to sleep safely and comfortably.
Jasmin the mother tester, liked the size of the crib. She said it was bigger than the standard Moses baskets, but not too large. She also appreciated the mesh windows and the 30 second open-folding mechanism.
Ease of access
A bedside crib (also called a bedside bassinet, or co-sleeper) is a specifically-designed sleep solution that allows parents to keep their babies close without the risks associated with co-sleeping. It can be especially helpful for mothers who have had C-sections while they recover and help them get into the swing with baby.
While cheap bedside cot 's a great method to teach sharing the space with your baby however, you should be aware of certain things when purchasing one. As a general rule you should ensure the crib has a 12cm barrier or wall to stop your baby from rolling out and over onto your side of the bed. It must have a drop-down edge that is easy to reach so that you can reach your baby in the middle of the night, whether for comfort or feeding.
The most highly-rated crib we've seen is the SnuzPod 4. It's an extremely popular product worldwide due to its Scandi aesthetic and wealth of features, including a specialized "ComfortAir" technology which helps regulate the temperature and increase airflow. The HALO BassiNest Essentia is also a popular option. It has a swiveling sleeping area and the sidewall can be easily removed so that you can reach in to pick baby up or comfort them. The Joie Roomie Glide also has an edge that can be collapsed. can easily fold with your hand. It will then automatically return to its upright position.
All the cribs we've reviewed here can easily be placed on top of your bed. They also comply with the new BS EN1130 safety standards, which have higher requirements for this type of crib. Some old versions of cribs that don't comply with these strict standards are still being sold on the market but they'll slowly disappear from the market as manufacturers replace them with new safer models. Make sure the crib you are considering purchasing meets this new safety standard.
Safety
Providing a safe and secure sleeping environment is crucial to your newborn's health and wellbeing. When selecting a crib, or cot, make sure you look for one that adheres to NHS safety standards and has been approved by childcare experts such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs are a safe practical option for parents who wish to keep their children close. This helps to build bonds and gives them peace of mind that they're not in danger.
When buying an upholstered bedside cot, bassinet or crib, make sure that it has a sturdy flat mattress. Any gaps could cause suffocation. Also, make sure the crib frame is sturdy and that the slats are spaced at least 2-3/8 inches apart. Verify that the mattress meets size regulations set out by EN 16890 and has been examined for stability, strength and firmness.
You should also avoid adding any items to your baby's crib that increase the danger of suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation like pillows, blankets and stuffed animals or other items unless they're specifically designed to be used for sleep. Avoid sleep wedges and positioning devices, as they have not been proven clinically to help your baby sleep better. They could also be risky.
It is a good idea to buy a crib that has fixed sides, as opposed to those with drop sides, since they are considered to be safer. It's also important to stay clear of cribs with mobiles attached as they could pose strangulation and choke risk when the cord or string gets caught around the neck of your baby.
Be certain to verify that your crib's hardware is free of sharp edges that could scratch or injure your child. Make sure that the crib bedding and mattress is properly secured and there aren't any broken or loose brackets or screws. Check for the JPMA certification seal. This indicates that the crib has been tested and meets industry safety standards. The seal can be found by searching for a specific product category on JPMA's Certification Directory.
Practicality
If you'd like to sleep close to your newborn but don't want to share a bed, a crib that is placed beside it is a safe alternative. These beds, also known as co-sleepers or bedside bassinets can be attached to the side of your bed. They offer you a private place to sleep, but are still close enough to nighttime feedings and comforting. This close contact helps to strengthen the bond between parents and child, and also encourages healthy sleep patterns with parents able respond quickly to any wake-up needs throughout the night.
A lot of cribs have an extra side panel that can be removed at night and then left. This lets you see and feed your baby or to change their nappy during the night. Certain cribs feature a mesh wall that zips down and can be placed into the mattress for extra security. This eliminates the risk of blankets or duvets falling on your baby. The SnuzPod 4 for example has a breathable fabric that increases airflow, reducing the risk of the suffocation risk.
Most cribs have straps that allow you to fix them to the sides of your mattress or bed, but it's worth checking that the straps included in your crib will fit your bed frame prior to purchasing especially if you own divan beds, because this could require more straps. Some cribs fold and can be put away when not in use, making them an excellent choice for traveling.
The best cribs are designed with practicality in mind, and are often adored by new mothers who have had c-section births, as it's easier for them to access their baby without having to get out of bed in the recovery. Some cribs can even be utilized on their own, meaning you can move them around the room as needed, enabling you to keep your baby close throughout the day to encourage bonding and socialization. They're also a great method to help your baby feel more independent, as they'll be able to sleep without you at their side and will establish a routine for self-sleeping.
Space
Bedside cribs are a secure and practical method to sleep with your child. You can observe and touch your child with no having to leave your bed. Some cribs also come with incline settings to help with reflux and congestion, while others feature practical under-seat storage for wipes as well as muslin squares. You should always choose a mattress that is specifically that is specifically designed for your crib at night - second-hand mattresses are likely to be too flat or worn out, which increases the chance of SIDS.
In addition to providing easy access for night feedings Bedside cribs are also great for mothers recovering from a C section as they can be used while lying down. They can also assist your baby adjust to sleeping alone in their crib and develop independence, while the wall they create between your bed and theirs decreases the chance of being suffocated.
There are many options available from budget-friendly models to high-end ones. Some cribs are smaller and fold up to store away, while others come with a carry-on bag to take them to the beach on weekends. Take into consideration the dimensions of your room and whether your crib will fit in there. Your baby may get out of it earlier than you anticipated so don't purchase too small.
If you're looking for a crib easier to assemble and is more affordable, the Cozee XL is one of the most simple cribs to build during MFM tests and features a smart oak base. It also has an anti-reflux incline and a side panel that opens, and it's easy to clean. It's suitable for most bed frames but you might find it tricky to fit if you have a divan.
If you're looking for a chic bedside crib that comes with the mattress as well as an accompanying bag, this option from Chicco is worth looking into. Its unique design includes an open base that increases airflow, and it has various height adjustments to accommodate your growing baby. It is also easy to clean and has a handy under-seat storage space for nappies and wipes.