Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside cot crib lets you to sleep comfortably with your infant without putting your baby at risk of overheating or suffocation. It is designed to be attached to the side of your bed, they're particularly helpful for c-section mums who are unable to get out of bed difficult.
MFM home test Emily found this bedside crib to be easy to put together, and loved the mesh windows for breathability and baby visibility. It can be folded flat and put into a convenient travel bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is a new crib that connects seamlessly with the parents' beds, giving parents with a convenient method to take care of their baby at night. This crib lets them reach their baby easily so they can feed or comfort them without having to leave bed, which is very helpful for new parents who may be suffering from sleep apnea during those early months. It encourages healthy growth of the baby by creating an environment that is safe and secure.
A high-quality bedside crib will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design at the bottom of the bed. This reduces the chance of accidents that could hurt your baby. They also meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130, which ensures that your baby is secure and protected when they sleep. Check that the mattress that comes in your crib is firm and not squishy. Also, look for any gaps or holes that could increase your child's danger of suffocation.
Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers to your baby's crib, except if they were specifically made to be used in conjunction with a crib. They can pose an extremely risk to safety and might not be up to the required safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any playthings your child plays with in the crib is securely attached and does not extend out too far.
If you're not sure about a piece of equipment, you can always consult other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for suggestions, and make sure you look for a product that is brand new and meets current safety standards, instead of secondhand or hand-me-downs. Check the crib for damage prior to purchasing it.
Another option is to invest in a bassinet, which is like a cot, but generally, it is attached to your bed and doesn't have legs. They're great for newborns and are especially great when you're recovering from a C section, as they're a perfect method to keep your baby close and at your side at all times.
Size
Keep baby close to you at night with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. Perfect for feeding your baby at night, heartfelt cuddles and check-ups on your comfort while you're cosy in your own bed, this crib is loaded with features to help you bond and soothe your newborn. Simply raise or lower the side rails of the crib with one hand to soothe your baby or for secure monitoring of sleep. It also has a gentle rocking mode and an incline function to alleviate symptoms of reflux, such as stomach pain or indigestion.
It comes with a huge storage area underneath the crib, ideal for blankets and nappies. It's also designed to fit divan beds, which means you don't need to worry about the frame. Gulhan Arapoglu claimed that it was an adequate size, durable, and easy to move from room room. She adds that it's a bit heavier than some cribs for beds however this is due to the extra features such as a rocking mode and reflux upwards.
Firm mattresses are one of the most important aspects to look for when choosing the crib. Mattresses with soft mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS, which is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm will be healthier for your baby's wellbeing, as it is more comfortable and helps to promote healthy spinal development.
You can purchase an individual crib mattress however we suggest purchasing a top 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 is an appropriate size for your baby.
If you're thinking of buying a cot bed for your bed it's a good idea to do an extensive search to make sure you're getting the best deal. Black Friday is a great opportunity to purchase these cribs at a discount. But remember that it's ideal to purchase a crib directly from the manufacturer directly so that you can be sure of its quality and that it meets the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that attaches to the sides of your bed. These cribs are great to keep your baby close so that you can reach them easily during night feedings and soothe them back to sleep during nap time. These are also great for mums who have had c-sections and find it hard to get up in the middle of the night to take care of their infant.
There's a broad range of different styles to choose from, but some characteristics you should be looking for are:
How easy is it to keep clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is a machine washable mattress cover required? How big is the bed and can you raise or lower it to accommodate? 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 in and out of it to take her baby. She also admired the size of the crib and said it's not as big as a standard crib, but it's larger than typical Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also simple to put together and it folds flat, making it easy to move. Some mothers found it to be to be a bit heavy, however, and this could be a problem for those who have mobility issues.
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. This crib is different from other bedside cribs in that it doesn't have an adjustable panel, but instead an adjustable side that can be lower to reach baby. It's not as compact when dismantled as other cribs for bed however, it's still lightweight and comes with a bag for easy storage.
Some cribs can convert into a toddler bed or cot by using an expansion kit. This feature is useful for families who wish to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the baby stage. However, it is not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use will sit right by your bed, so that you can watch baby and take care of the needs of feeding and changing nappies without needing to get out of bed. It is easy to fold or close the sides so that you can reach them in the dark. They must also be breathable to provide comfort. The majority will have beds, which are ideal since you don't want it too soft or lumpy.
It is also important to consider how easy it is to assemble - some are much simpler than others, with the more complicated models likely costing more. Consider whether the crib will fit your bed or not. Some cribs may only work with a specific type of divan base, and this could be an issue if you have a bed that is more unique.
The Next2me Magic crib that is popular with parents who have a divan, is a great option for those who already own one. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Award in the category of the Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. Our mum testers have given it the positive review, saying that it's made with high mesh sides that allow you to see baby's face through. bedside crib and cot has a convenient storage shelf for nappies and blankets and is surprisingly light at 10kg.
Another alternative is the SnuzPod4, which comes in a variety of colours and our mothers have been extremely pleased with it too. They love the simplicity of it, and how it's sleek, but still provides plenty of space for baby to rest comfortably. And they appreciate the additional features, such as the ability to tilt to aid in reflux, as well as an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be purchased at PS99 or less, making them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you're looking to save on the initial cost of your purchase. Always remember to follow safe sleep guidance though, and check that the crib you buy meets the Lullaby Trust code for safety.