Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without risk of overheating or suffocation. These cribs can be attached to the bedside and are particularly useful for c-section mothers who have difficulty to get out of the bed.
MFM home tester Emily found this crib to be easy to put together, and loved the mesh windows for breathability and baby visibility. It can be folded flat and stowed into an easy-to-travel bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is a new crib that connects seamlessly with the parents' beds to give parents with a convenient method to take care of their infant at night. This crib allows them to reach their baby with ease so they can feed and comfort them without leaving bed, which is very beneficial for parents suffering from sleep deprivation during those early years. It also aids in promoting a healthy growth of the baby by providing a secure and comfortable sleeping environment.
A high-quality crib for bed will have a solid connection and an anti-slip design on the foot of the bed. This helps to reduce the risk of accidents that may harm your baby. They also meet safety standards like BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure that your child is safe and secure while they are asleep. Check that the mattress you have in your crib is firm and not squishy. Also, check for any holes or gaps that could increase the risk of suffocation.
It is also recommended to avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers in your baby's crib unless they're made specifically to be used in conjunction with a cot or a crib, as they can pose an immediate danger and not be safe. You should also ensure that any toys your baby utilizes in the crib are securely attached and doesn't protrude out too far.
If you're uncertain about a particular piece of equipment, you can consult other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for advice and look for a product that is brand new and meets current safety standards, not second-hand or used cribs. If you're planning to purchase a used crib, check it thoroughly for damage and make sure all the components are in place before purchasing it.
Another option is to invest in a bassinet, which is like a cot, but typically fixes to your bed and does not have legs. They are great for newborns, and are great if you are recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night. Ideal for feeding at midnight as well as heartfelt cuddles and check-ups on your comfort while you're cozy in your bed, this crib is packed with features to aid in bonding and soothing your baby. Simply lift or lower the side rail of the crib using one hand to calm and comfort your infant or to provide secure sleep monitoring. It comes with an easy rocking feature and an incline function to help relieve symptoms such as indigestion and stomach pain.
It comes with a huge storage compartment beneath the crib, perfect for blankets and nappies. And it's designed to be used with divan beds (check the specifications for specific ones that may require straps that are longer) and you don't need to worry about your bed frame. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, robust and easy to move around from room to room. She also said that it's a bit heavier than other cribs for bed however this is due to additional features such as the rocking mode and reflux incline.
Firm mattresses are one of the most important features to look for when choosing a crib. Soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm is better for your baby as it is more comfortable and helps support healthy spinal growth.
You can purchase a crib mattress on its own however we suggest investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your child gets the best rest possible. Check that the crib mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and that it's a suitable size for your baby.
If you're thinking of buying a cot bed for your bed it's worth doing some careful shopping around to ensure you're getting the best price. Black Friday is a great time to buy these cribs for a price that is lower. Make sure you buy cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are safe and meet the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that can be attached to the side of your bed. They're ideal to keep your baby close to you so that you can easily reach them for night feedings or soothe them back to sleep during nap times. These are also great for mums who have had csections and find it hard to get up in the middle night to take care of their infant.
There's a variety of styles to pick from, but some of the features that you might like to be looking for are:
Can it be cleaned by machine or do you need an unwashable mattress cover? How bedside crib and travel cot is the mattress and can it be lowered or raised lowered to fit your bed? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?
Mum test-taker Jasmine particularly loved the fact that this crib can swivel, which made it easier to reach into and out of to grab her baby. She also admired its size and said it's not as large as a full-sized crib but it's larger than standard Moses baskets and is a comfortable crib for babies. It is also easy to put together and folds up flat for easy transport. It was somewhat heavy for some mums and could be an issue for those who have 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 or Moses Basket category. This crib is different from others in that it doesn't have a drop-down panel, but instead has an adjustable side that you can lower so that you can reach your baby. It's not quite as compact as other bedside cribs when dismantled, but it's still portable and comes with a travel bag.
Other cribs are designed to convert into a toddler bed or cot using an expansion kit. This can be a beneficial feature for families who are planning to extend the duration of their baby's sleeping space long past the newborn stage, but isn't always necessary.
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 attend to feedings at night and changing nappy without needing to get out of your own bed. They'll typically have sides that fold or zip down easily to allow you to reach over in the dark to grab them and they'll also be breathable for your comfort. Most will come with mattresses, which are important because you want it to be firm and flat instead of soft or lumpy.
The cost of the more complicated models will be higher. Be sure to consider whether the crib will work with your bed or not. bedside crib and travel cot may only fit with a specific type of divan base. This could be a problem if own a bedframe that is more unusual.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great choice for those with divan beds. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. bedside crib that turns into cot 's well-constructed, with high mesh sides to let you see the baby's face. Our mum testers have given it a thumbs up. It also has a convenient storage shelf for blankets and nappies, and is relatively lightweight at 10kg.
Another alternative is the SnuzPod4, which is available in a variety of colors, and our mums have been really positive about it too. They appreciate the fact that it's slim and sleek, but still provides plenty of space for baby to rest comfortably. And they appreciate the additional features, like incline options to help with reflux and a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less, which makes them a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket if you're looking to reduce the cost of an initial investment. Always adhere to safe guidelines for sleeping and make sure the crib you select is secure.
