Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without risk of suffocation or overheating. The cribs are designed to attach to the side of your bed, they're particularly useful for mothers who find getting out of bed difficult.
MFM home tester Emily found this crib to be easy to put together, and loved the mesh windows for breathability and baby visibility. It folds flat and stored in a convenient travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib crib is a unique crib that connects seamlessly with the parents' beds to give parents with a convenient method to take care of their baby at night. This crib lets them access their child easily so that they can feed and comfort them without leaving the bed. This is beneficial for parents who may be suffering from sleep deprivation in the early months. It encourages healthy growth of the infant by providing an environment that is safe and comfortable.
A quality bedside cot crib will have a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the mattress's foot which reduces the risk of accidents that could potentially cause harm to your baby. They also have to meet safety standards like BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure your baby is secure and safe when they are asleep. Make sure the mattress in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, look for any gaps or holes that could increase the risk of suffocation.
It is also recommended to avoid using pillows, duvets, or baby bumpers in your baby's crib unless they are designed specifically to be used with a crib or cot as they could pose an immediate danger and not meet safety standards. You should also ensure that any toy your baby uses in the crib is securely attached and does not extend too far.
Ask other parents for advice if you are unsure about specific pieces of equipment. Also, look for products that are modern and meet current safety standards rather than those that have been passed down or second-hand. Examine the crib for any damage before buying it.
A bassinet is an alternative. 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 great when you are recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Keep baby close to you at night with the Sweet2Sleep bedside crib. Ideal for feeding at midnight, heartfelt cuddles and check-ups on your comfort while you're snug in your bed, this smart crib comes with features that aid in bonding and soothing your newborn. You can easily raise or lower the crib's side rail with only one hand, to calm and comfort your child for a safe way to monitor sleep. It also features a soft rocking mode and an incline function to alleviate symptoms of reflux, including stomach pain or indigestion.
It has a large storage area underneath the crib, ideal for nappies and blankets. It's designed to be used with divan beds (check the specifications as some may require straps that are longer), so you don't have to fret about your bed frame. Gulhan Arapoglu claimed that it was an ideal size, strong and easy to move from room room. She also said it's a bit heavier than some bedside cribs but that's due to the extra features, like the rocking mode and the reflux upwards.
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) since soft mattresses increase the chance of suffocation. A firm mattress is also a healthier choice for your baby since it is more comfortable and helps support healthy growth of the spine.
You can buy a crib mattress on its own. We suggest to purchase an excellent mattress to give your baby the best possible rest. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with British safety regulations and is the correct size for your child.
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib, it's worth doing some careful shopping around to make sure you're getting the best deal. Black Friday is a great time to buy cribs at a bargain. Be sure to purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are safe and meet the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that can be attached to the bed's side. These cribs are great for keeping your baby close enough that you can reach them easily during night feedings and soothe them back into sleep during nap time. They're also a blessing for mothers recovering from c-section births, who may struggle to get out of bed to take care of their child during the night.
There are bedside cot 6 months plus of styles to pick from, but some features that you may want to look for are:
Can it be cleaned by machine or do you need an unwashable mattress cover? How big is the mattress and can it be raised or lowered to fit your bed? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?
Jasmine, a mum test subject, was pleased that the crib rotates. This made it easier for her to reach into and out of it to take her baby. She also appreciated the size of the crib although she said it's not as large as a traditional crib, but is bigger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also easy to put together and folds flat for easy transport. It was a bit heavy for some mothers 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, Moses Basket category. This crib is distinct from the rest because it doesn't have a drop down panel, but instead has an adjustable side that you can lower to allow you to reach your baby. It's not quite as compact as other bedside cribs when dismantled, but it is still mobile and comes with a travel bag.
Some cribs can transform into a toddler bed or cot using an expansion kit. This feature can be useful for families who wish to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the infant stage. However, it's not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use are those that are near your bed, so that you can look after your baby, change diapers at night, and feed your baby without getting up from your bed. You can fold or zip the sides so you can grab them in the dark. They should also be breathable in order to give you a comfortable sleep. Most will come with an upholstered bed, which is ideal since you don't want it to be too hard or clumpy.
You must also consider how easy it is to assemble - some are much more simple than others, and the more complicated models likely costing more. Finally, consider whether the crib is designed to be a perfect fit for your bed or not. Some cribs are only compatible with a specific kind of divan base, which can be an issue if you have a unique bed frame.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great option for parents with a divan bed, and was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-made, with high mesh sides so you can see the baby's face. Our mum testers have given it a thumbs up. It comes with a shelf to store blankets or nappies and weighs just 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is a different option. It comes in a variety of colors, and our mothers are in love with it. They appreciate the simplicity of it, and how it's elegant, yet still offers ample space for their baby to rest comfortably. And they are enthralled by the extra features, like an incline option to aid with reflux and an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less which makes them more affordable than a Moses basket for those looking to save money on an initial purchase. Always remember to adhere to the safe sleep guidelines however, and ensure that the crib you buy conforms to the Lullaby Trust code for safety.