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 helpful for mothers having a c-section who find it difficult to get out of bed.
Emily Emily, an MFM home tester, found the bedside crib easy to put together and loved the mesh windows that allow for airflow and better visibility for babies. It folds flat and stowed into an easy-to-travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib is an innovative crib that seamlessly connects with the parents bed to provide a convenient method for parents to care for their infant at night. This crib allows parents to easily reach their child so that they can comfort or feed them without leaving their bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are new and may suffer from sleep deprivation in the first few months. It also assists in encouraging the growth of the baby by providing a secure and comfortable sleeping environment.
A high-quality bedside crib will have a solid connection and an anti-slip design at the foot of the bed. This helps to reduce the chance of accidents that may harm your baby. They also meet safety standards, such as BS EN 1130:2019, which helps to ensure your baby is safe and secure while they're asleep. You should also ensure the mattress included in your crib is firm rather than soft, and also look for any gaps that could increase your baby's risk of suffocation or entrapment.
It is also recommended to avoid using pillows, duvets, or baby bumpers in your baby's crib unless they're made specifically to be used with a cot or crib because they could be danger and not be safe. It is also important to ensure that any toys or items that your child plays with in the crib are securely secured to the crib, and don't protrude too far out of the crib's edges.
If you're uncertain about a certain piece of equipment, you can always ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for help and choose a crib that is brand new and meets current safety standards, instead of secondhand or hand-me-downs. If you're going to buy a crib that is used, be sure to check it thoroughly for damage and make sure all the components are present before you buy it.
A bassinet is a different option. It is similar to a crib however, it is typically attached to your bed. It doesn't have legs. They are ideal for babies, and are great when you are recovering from the c-section. They keep your baby close to you at all times.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib lets you to keep your baby close by throughout the night. This clever crib has many features that will help you bond with your newborn and calm them. It is perfect for feeding at night, cuddles, and comfort check-ups. It is easy to raise or lower the side rail of the crib using just one hand, to help soothe and comfort your child, or for safe sleep monitoring. It also has a gentle rocking mode and incline function to ease the symptoms of reflux, such as indigestion or tummy pain.
It comes with a huge storage area underneath the crib, ideal for nappies and blankets. It's designed to fit divan beds, which means you don't need to worry about the frame. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, sturdy and easy to move around from room to room. She also said that it is a little heavier than other bedside cribs however this is due to additional features like a rocking mode or reflux incline.
One of the most important things to look for in a crib is its firm mattress. Mattresses with soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm is a healthier choice for your child as it's more comfortable and aids in healthy growth of the spine.
You can purchase a crib mattress separately. However, we recommend that you invest in the best quality mattress to ensure your baby gets the best sleep possible. Be sure that the mattress meets British safety standards and is the right size for your child.
It's worth shopping for the best price in case you're thinking about purchasing a crib for your bed. Utilizing Black Friday sales is a great way to save money on these cribs. Remember that you should always buy cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are secure and meet the safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that is attached to the bed's side. They're great to keep your baby close to you so you can easily reach them during night feedings or to soothe them to sleep during nap times. They're also a godsend for mothers recovering from c-section births, who may find it difficult to get up to take care of their child in the middle of the night.
There's a variety of styles you can pick from, but some of the features that you may want to look for are:
How easy it is to keep it clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is a machine washable mattress cover required? How big is the bed and can you adjust it to accommodate? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?
Mum tester Jasmine particularly loved the fact that the crib is able to swivel, making it easier to reach in and out of to take her baby. bedside crib or cot liked the size of the crib although she said it's not as big as a full-sized crib but is bigger than the standard Moses baskets and is a comfortable crib for babies. It is also easy to put together and folds up flat for easy transportation. It was somewhat heavy for some mums, which 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. The crib differs from others in that it doesn't have a drop-down panel however it does have an adjustable side you can lower to reach your baby. It's not as compact as other bedside cribs once dismantled, however it is still mobile and comes with a travel bag.
Other cribs are designed to transform into a toddler bed or cot using an expansion kit. This is a great option for families looking to extend the lifespan of their baby's sleeping space far beyond the newborn stage, but it's not always necessary.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use are ones that are placed near your bed, so that you can look after your baby, change nappys at night and feed your baby without getting up from your bed. You can fold or zip the sides down so you can grab them in the dark. They should also be breathable to give you a comfortable sleep. Most will come with a mattress, which is crucial because you want it to be a bit firm and flat, not super-soft or clumpy.
It is also important to consider the ease of build - some cribs are easier than others, with the more complex models costing more. Also, think about whether the crib was designed to fit your own bed or not. Some cribs may only fit the specific divan base. This could be a problem if own a bedframe that is unique.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a good option for those who have a divan bed, and was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's well-constructed, with high mesh sides to let you see the baby's face. Our mum testers liked it and gave it a thumbs-up. It also has a convenient storage shelf for blankets and nappies and is light at 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is a different option. It comes in many colors and our moms are in love with it. The SnuzPod4 is slim, sleek design that provides plenty of space for babies to relax comfortably. Our mums are also awed by features such as incline options which aid in reducing reflux, and a soothing, rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be bought for PS99 or less, which makes them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you are looking to save on the initial cost of your purchase. It is important to adhere to the safe sleep guidelines however, and ensure that the crib you purchase conforms to the Lullaby Trust code for safety.