Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside cot crib lets you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without the risk of overheating or even the risk of suffocation. Designed to attach to the side of your bed, they're especially beneficial for mothers of c-sections who find getting out of bed a challenge.
Emily Emily, an MFM home tester Emily, a home tester for MFM, found the crib to be easy to put together and loved the mesh windows that allow for airflow and visibility of baby. It also folds flat, and fits into a handy travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib is an innovative crib that seamlessly connects with the parents bed to provide a comfortable way for parents to take care of their infant at night. The crib lets parents reach their baby with ease so they can feed or soothe them without having to leave the bed, which is helpful for new parents suffering from sleep deprivation in the early years. It promotes healthy growth for the baby by creating an environment that is safe and comfortable.
A top-quality bedside crib will have a solid connection and an anti-slip design at the foot of the bed. This helps to reduce the risk of accidents that could harm your baby. They also have to meet safety standards, such as BS EN 1130:2019, which helps to ensure your baby is secure and safe when they're asleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress you get with your crib is firm instead of soft, and check for any gaps that could increase your baby's risk of suffocation or entrapment.
Avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers for your baby's crib, in the event that they were not made to be used in conjunction with a crib. They can be danger to your child's safety and may not meet the safety standards. You should also make sure that any toys or objects that your child plays with in the crib are securely anchored to the crib and aren't too far out of the edges.
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 choose a crib that is brand new and complies with current safety standards, instead of second-hand or hand-me-downs. Make sure the crib is free of damage before buying it.
A bassinet is another option. It's similar to a crib but is usually fixed to your bed. It doesn't have legs. They are ideal for babies and are a great option for those recovering from a c-section. They keep your baby close to you all the time.
Size
Keep your baby close to you during the night with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. This clever crib has many features that help you bond with your baby and soothe them. It is perfect for midnight feedings, cuddles, and comfort checks. Simply raise or lower the side rails of the crib with just one hand to soothe and comfort your baby or for safe sleep monitoring. It also features a soft rocking mode and an incline function to ease the symptoms of reflux, like stomach pain or indigestion.
It comes with a huge storage space underneath the crib, which is ideal for nappies and blankets. It's also designed to be used with divan beds (check the specs as some may require longer straps) and you don't have to worry about your bed frame. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, robust and easy to move around from room to room. She adds that it's a little heavier than some bedside cribs however this is due to the extra features, like the rocking mode and the reflux upwards.
Mattresses that are firm are among the most important things to look out for when choosing a crib. Mattresses that are soft can increase the risk of SIDS, which is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress is also a healthier choice for your baby as it's more comfortable and supports healthy spinal growth.
You can purchase an individual crib mattress however we recommend purchasing a top quality model to ensure that your baby gets the best rest possible. Check that the mattress meets British safety regulations and is the correct size for your child.
If you're considering buying a cot bed for your bed it's worth doing some careful shopping around to ensure you're getting the best deal. Making use of Black Friday sales is a excellent method to save on these cribs. Just remember that it's still best to buy a crib from the manufacturer directly so that you are certain of its quality and that it meets the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that you can place next to your bed. These cribs are ideal to keep your baby close enough to reach them easily for evening feedings and help them back into sleep during nap time. They're also a godsend for mothers recovering from c section births, who may find it difficult to get out of bed to tend to their baby during the night.
There are many different styles available however, you should search for the following characteristics:
Can it be cleaned by machine or does it require a hand-washable mattress cover? What is the size of the mattress and can it be raised or lower to accommodate your bed? How much does it weigh and is it easy to move around your home, especially if you plan to use it in more than one room at a time?
Mum test-taker Jasmine particularly loved the fact that the crib is able to swivel, making it easier to reach into and out of to pick up her newborn. She also appreciated the size, stating that it's not as big as a standard crib for babies, however it is bigger than the standard Moses baskets. It is also comfortable for her infant. It's also simple to build and folds flat, which makes it easy to carry. It was a bit heavy for some moms and could be an issue for those with mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you can think about. It won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's different from other cribs for bed in that it doesn't have a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that can be lowered to reach baby. It's not as compact as some other bedside cribs however, it's still lightweight and comes with a travel bag for easy storage.
Other cribs are designed to transform into a toddler bed or cot using an expansion kit. This feature can be useful for families looking to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the baby stage. However, it's not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for beds are ones that sit right next to your bed, so that you can watch your baby and attend to the needs of feeding and changing nappies without getting out of your own bed. You can easily fold or zip the sides down so you can grab them in the dark. They should also be breathable in order to offer comfort. Most will come with a bed, which is ideal because you do not want it to be too soft or lumpy.
The cost of the more complex models will likely be higher. Consider whether the crib was designed to fit your bed or not. Some cribs are only compatible with a particular type of divan base, which could be an issue if you have a more unusual bedframe.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great option for those who have a divan bed, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the The Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. rocking bedside crib was well-made and has a high mesh side 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.
Another good option is the SnuzPod4, available in a range of colours, and our mums have been really positive about it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim, elegant option that offers plenty of room for baby to relax comfortably. Our mums are also impressed by features such as incline options, which help with reflux, and a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs are available for PS99 or less, making them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you are trying to save money on the initial cost. You should always remember to adhere to the safe sleep guidelines however, and ensure that the crib you purchase conforms to the Lullaby Trust code for safety.