Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without the danger of overheating or suffocation. These cot cribs attach to the bedside and are particularly useful for c-section mothers who have difficulty to get out of bed.
MFM home test Emily found this crib to be easy to put together, and loved the mesh windows for breathability and baby visibility. It folds flat, and fits into bags for travel.
Safety
A bedside cot crib is an innovative crib that is seamlessly connected to the parents' bed to provide a convenient way for parents to care for their baby at night. This crib lets them access their child easily so that they can feed or comfort them without having to leave the bed, which is useful for new parents suffering from sleep deprivation in the early years. It also helps to promote the development of a healthy baby by providing a safe and comfortable environment for sleeping.
A high-quality bedside cot crib will have a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the bed's foot that reduces the chance of accidents that could potentially cause harm to your baby. They will also conform to safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure your baby is secure and safe when they are asleep. You should also ensure the mattress included in your crib is firm instead of soft, and also look for any gaps that could increase your child's risk of suffocation, or entrapment.
Avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers to your baby's crib in the event that they were not made to be used in conjunction with a crib. They can be a serious safety hazard, and may not meet the safety standards. You should also ensure that any toys your baby plays with in the crib is securely attached and doesn't extend out too far.
Ask other parents for their advice if you are unsure about certain pieces of equipment. Also, look for products that are new and have met current safety standards rather than those that were handed down or second-hand. If you're going to buy a crib that is used, be sure to check it thoroughly for damages and ensure that all parts are there before you buy it.
A bassinet is a different option. It's like a crib but it is typically attached to your bed. It doesn't have legs. They are ideal for babies and are ideal if you are recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Keep bedside crib to cot to you in the evening with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. This clever crib has many features that will help you bond with your baby and soothe them. It is perfect for nighttime feedings cuddles, cuddles, and comfort checks. Simply raise or lower the side rails of the crib with just one hand to soothe and comfort your little one or for safe sleep monitoring. It comes with soft rocking functions and an incline feature to help relieve symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
It has a huge storage space underneath the crib, which is perfect for blankets or nappies. It's designed to fit divan beds, which means you don't need to worry about your frame. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, robust and easy to move from room to room. She also says that it's a little heavier than other cribs for bed however this is because of the additional features such as the ability to rock or a reflux incline.
One of the most important aspects to look for in a crib is a firm mattress. Soft mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress is also a healthier choice for your child as it is more comfortable and helps support healthy growth of the spine.
You can purchase a crib mattress on its own, but we recommend investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your baby has the best sleep possible. Verify that the mattress meets British safety standards and that it's an appropriate size for your baby.
If you're considering buying a bedside crib it's worth doing some careful shopping around to ensure you're getting the best deal. Black Friday is a great time to buy these cribs for a price that is lower. But remember that it's ideal to purchase a crib from the manufacturer directly so that you are certain of its high-quality and that it meets the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that is attached to the sides of your bed. They're great for keeping your newborn close to you so that you can easily reach them for night feedings or to soothe them to sleep during nap times. They're also a blessing for mothers recovering from c section births, who may find it difficult to get up to look after their baby in the middle of the night.
There's a broad range of styles to pick from, but some of the features that you might like to look for are:
Can it be cleaned with a machine or do you need an easy-to-clean mattress cover? How big is the mattress and can it be raised or lowered to accommodate your bed? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?
Mum test subject Jasmine particularly loved the fact that this crib swivels, which made it easier to reach into and out of to take her newborn. She also liked the size, stating that it is not as big as a traditional crib but it's larger than the standard Moses baskets. It is also comfortable for her infant. It is also easy to put together and folds up flat for easy transport. It was quite heavy for some mothers, which could be an issue for those with mobility problems.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you can look into. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. The crib differs from the rest because it doesn't include a drop-down panel, but instead has an adjustable side you can lower so that you can reach your baby. It's not as compact as other cribs when dismantled, but it's still mobile and comes with an included travel bag.
Some cribs can be converted to a toddler cot or a cot using an expansion kit. This can be a useful option for families looking to extend the lifespan of their baby's sleeping space far beyond the infant stage, but isn't always necessary.
Budget
The best cribs for your bed are those that are close to your bed so you can watch your baby, change nappys at night and feed your baby without having to get up from your bed. It is easy to fold or zip the sides down so you can grab them in the dark. They should also be breathable to offer comfort. Most will come with mattresses, which is crucial because you want it to be a bit firm and flat, not soft or clumpy.
You should also factor in how easy it is to build - some cribs are easier than others, with the more complex models costing more. Finally, consider whether the crib is designed to fit your bed or not. Some cribs are only suitable for the specific divan base. This could be a problem if have a bedframe that is more unusual.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great option for parents with divan beds. It was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's well-made and has a high mesh side to let you see the baby's face. Our mom testers have given it a thumbs up. It comes with a shelf to store blankets or nappies and weighs only 10kg.
Another good option is the SnuzPod4, available in a range of colours and our moms have been extremely pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim, sleek option that still offers plenty of room for baby to rest comfortably. Our mothers also love the features, such as the incline option that aid in reflux, as well as a soothing, rocking mechanism.
Both cribs are available at PS99 or under, making them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you are looking to cut costs on the initial cost. Always remember to follow safe sleep guidance though, and check whether the crib you purchase conforms to the Lullaby Trust code for safety.