Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside cot crib lets you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn without putting your baby at risk of overheating or death by suffocation. Designed to attach to the sides of your bed, they're useful for mothers who find getting out of bed difficult.
Emily Emily, an MFM home tester Emily, a home tester for MFM, found the crib easy to assemble and liked the mesh windows that allow airflow and visibility of baby. It can be folded flat and stored in a convenient travel bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is an innovative crib which is able to connect seamlessly to the parents' beds, giving an easy way to take care of their baby at night. The crib lets parents easily reach their infant to comfort or feed them without having to leave bed. This is especially helpful for new mothers who may suffer from sleep deprivation in the first few months. It also aids in promoting the development of a healthy baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
A quality bedside cot crib will have solid connections and an anti-slip design for the mattress's foot, which helps to reduce the risk of accidents that could cause injury to your baby. These cribs will also meet safety standards like BS EN 1130, which ensures that your baby is secure and safe when they sleep. You should also ensure the mattress that comes with your crib is firm rather than 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 pose a serious safety hazard and might not be up to the required safety standards. You should also make sure that any toys or other items your baby is playing with in the crib are securely secured to the crib and do not protrude too far of the edges.
If you're unsure about a certain piece of equipment, you can consult other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for suggestions, and make sure you choose a crib that is brand new and complies with current safety standards, not second-hand or used cribs. Examine the crib for any damage before buying it.
4-in-1 bedside crib is another option. It is similar to a crib, but it is typically attached to your bed. It doesn't have legs. They are great for newborns, and are great when you are recovering from the c-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Keep baby right next to you at night with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. Perfect for feeding your baby at night, heartfelt cuddles and comfort checks while you are cosy in your own bed, this crib is loaded with features to help you bond with and soothe your baby. You can easily raise or lower the side rail of the crib using just one hand to help soothe and comfort your child or to monitor your child's sleep. It also features a soft rocking mode and incline function to alleviate symptoms of reflux, like indigestion or tummy pain.
It has a large storage area underneath the crib that's perfect for nappies or blankets. It's also designed to be compatible with divan beds (check the specifications for specific ones that may require straps that are longer) and you don't have to fret about your bed frame. Gulhan Arapoglu stated that it was an ideal size, strong, and easy to move from room to room. She also said that it's a little heavier than other cribs for bed however this is due to the additional features, such as a rocking mode or reflux incline.
One of the most important aspects to look for in a crib is a mattress that is firm. This reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) because soft mattresses increase the chance of being suffocated. A firm mattress is also a healthier choice for your child as it's more comfortable and supports healthy growth of the spine.
You can purchase an individual crib mattress, but we recommend investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your child gets the best rest possible. Check that the mattress meets British safety regulations and is the right size for your child.
It's worthwhile to shop around for the best price if you're considering purchasing a crib for your bed. Taking advantage of Black Friday sales is a excellent option to save money on these cribs. Make sure you purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are secure and meet the safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that attaches to the side of your bed. These cribs are ideal for keeping your baby close enough that you can reach them easily for meals at night and also to soothe them back to sleep during nap time. They're also a great option for mothers recovering from c-section births, who may be unable to get up to tend to their baby in the middle of the night.
There are a variety of styles to choose from, but you should look for the following qualities:
Can it be cleaned with a machine or do you need an easy-to-clean mattress cover? How big is the bed and can you raise or lower it to accommodate? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?
Jasmine, a mum test subject, was pleased the crib's swivelling feature. This made it easier for her to reach into and out of it to pick up her baby. She also liked the size of it and said it's not as large as a full-sized crib but is bigger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for babies. It's also simple to put together and folds flat for easy transportation. Some mothers found it to be a little heavy, but this may 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, Moses Basket category. This crib is different from the rest because it doesn't have a drop down panel and instead has an adjustable side that you can lower so that you can reach your baby. It's not quite as compact as other cribs once dismantled, however it is still transportable and comes with a travel bag.
Some cribs can be converted into a toddler bed or cot using an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families who want to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the newborn stage. However, it is not always required.
Budget
The best bedside cribs will sit right by your bed, so you can watch baby and attend to the needs of feeding and changing nappies without needing to get out of bed. You can fold or close the sides so that you can access them in the dark. They should also be breathable in order to offer comfort. The majority will have an upholstered bed, which is ideal as you don't want it to be too soft or lumpy.
The price of more complicated models will likely be higher. Take into consideration whether the crib will work with your bed or not. Some cribs may only work with a particular type of divan base, which can be a problem if have a bed that is more unique.
The Next2me Magic crib, which is popular with those who have a divan is a great option for those who already have one. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Award in the category of the Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-made, with high mesh sides so you can see the baby's face. Our mom testers gave it a thumbs up. It has a shelf for nappies or blankets and is lightweight at only 10kg.
Another good alternative is the SnuzPod4, available in a variety of colours, and our mums have been very pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is slim, elegant option that offers plenty of room for baby to sleep comfortably. Our mothers also love the features like incline options, which help with reflux, as well as a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both these cribs are available for PS99 or less and are a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket when you're looking to reduce the cost of an initial purchase. You should always remember to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping however, and ensure that the crib you buy conforms to the Lullaby Trust code for safety.