Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside crib allows you to safely co-sleep with your infant without risking overheating or suffocation. Designed to attach to the side of your bed, they're especially beneficial for mothers of c-sections who are unable to get out of bed painful.
MFM home tester Emily found this bedside crib to be easy to put together, and she loved the mesh windows to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It also folds flat and slots into an ideal travel bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is a unique crib that connects seamlessly with the parents' beds to give an easy way to take care of their infant during the 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 useful for new parents suffering from sleep deprivation during those early months. It also helps to promote the development of a healthy baby by providing a secure and comfortable sleeping environment.
A quality bedside cot crib should have a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the mattress's foot, which helps to reduce the risk of accidents that could result in harm to your baby. The cribs also have safety standards like BS EN 1130, which assures your baby is secure and safe while they sleep. You should also ensure the mattress that comes with your crib is firm instead of soft, and check for any gaps that could increase your child'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 with a crib. They can pose a serious safety hazard, and may not meet the safety standards. You should also make sure that any toys or items your baby is playing with in the crib are securely anchored to the crib and aren't too far out of the crib's edges.
Ask other parents for their advice when you're not sure about a piece of equipment. Also, look for items that are brand modern and meet current safety standards, not ones that were passed down or second-hand. If you're planning to purchase a used crib, make sure you check it for damage and ensure all the components are in place before you buy it.
A bassinet is another option. It's like a crib but is usually fixed to your bed. It doesn't have legs. They are great for newborns and are ideal when you are recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you all the time.
Size
Keep baby right next to you in the evening with the Sweet2Sleep bedside crib. This clever crib has many features that aid you in bonding with your newborn and calm them. It is perfect for midnight feedings as well as cuddles and comfort checks. It is easy to raise or lower the crib's side rail with just one hand, to soothe and comfort your child for safe sleep monitoring. It comes with soft rocking functions and an incline feature to alleviate symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
It comes with a huge storage space underneath the crib, ideal for nappies and blankets. It's designed to work with divan beds (check the specs as some may require longer straps) So you don't need to worry about the frame of your bed. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size and sturdy and easy to move from room to room. She also noted that it is a little heavier than other cribs for beds however this is because of the additional features such as the ability to rock or a reflux incline.
Firm mattresses are among the most important features to look out for when choosing the crib. Soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress can be better for your baby's wellbeing, as it is more comfortable and helps to promote healthy spinal development.
You can buy a crib mattress separately. However, we recommend to purchase an excellent mattress to ensure your baby gets the best sleep possible. Check that the crib mattress meets British safety standards and that it's an appropriate size for your baby.
It's worthwhile to shop for the best deal in case you're thinking about purchasing a crib for your bed. Black Friday is a great opportunity to purchase these cribs at a discount. Be sure to 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 you can easily reach them for night feedings or to soothe them to sleep during nap time. They're also great for mums who have had c-sections and find it hard to get up in the middle of the night to look after their baby.
There's a broad range of styles you can pick from, but some of the features that you might like to be looking for are:
How easy is it to keep it clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is an easy-to-clean mattress cover a must? What is the size of the mattress and can it be raised or lowered to fit your bed? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?
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 take her newborn. She also appreciated the size of it although she said it's not as big as a traditional crib, but it's bigger than the standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for babies. It's also simple to put together and folds flat for easy transport. Some mums found it somewhat heavy, however, which may be an issue for those with mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option to consider. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's different from other bedside cribs in that it does not have an adjustable panel, but instead an adjustable side that can be lowered to allow baby to get closer. It's not as compact as other bedside cribs, but it's still mobile and comes with a travel bag.
Some cribs can be transformed into a toddler or cot with the help of an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families who wish to expand their baby's sleeping space beyond the newborn stage. However, it's not always needed.
Budget
The best bedside cribs 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 getting out of bed. They'll usually have sides that fold or zip down easily, so you can reach up in the dark to grab them, and they should also be breathable for your comfort. The majority will have a bed, which is ideal since you don't want it to be too soft or lumpy.
travel cot bedside crib should also factor in the ease of assemble - some are much easier than others, with the more complex models costing more. Take into consideration whether the crib is suitable for your bed or not. Certain cribs can only be fitted to with a specific type of divan base. This could be a problem if own a bedframe that is more unique.
The Next2me Magic crib, which is a favorite among those who own a divan, is a great choice for those who already own one. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-made with high-quality mesh sides to let you see the baby's face. Our mom testers liked it and gave it a thumbs-up. It also comes with a handy storage shelf to store nappies and blankets and is light at just 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is a different option. It comes in many colors and our moms love it. They like the design, which is slim and elegant, yet still offers ample space for their baby to sleep comfortably, and they are enthralled by the extra features, such as an incline option to aid with reflux, as well as a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs are available at PS99 or less, which makes them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you're trying to save money on the initial cost. You should always remember to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping but also ensure that the crib you buy meets the Lullaby Trust code for safety.