Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside cot crib lets you to safely co-sleep with your newborn without the risk of overheating or even the risk of suffocation. These cot cribs attach to the bedside and are helpful for mothers having a c-section who are unable to get out of bed.
MFM home tester Emily found this bedside crib easy to assemble, and she loved the mesh windows for breathability and baby visibility. It also folds flat and slots into a handy travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib is an innovative crib that connects seamlessly to the parents' bed to provide a comfortable way for parents to care for their baby during the night. The crib lets parents reach their baby with ease so they can feed or soothe them without leaving bed, which is very useful for new parents who may be suffering from sleep deprivation in the first few months. It also aids in promoting a healthy growth of the baby by providing a secure and comfortable environment for sleeping.
A top-quality bedside crib will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design at the bottom of the bed. This helps to reduce the risk of accidents that may harm your baby. They also have to meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure your baby is safe and secure while they sleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress that comes with your crib is firm, not soft, and check for any gaps that could increase your baby's danger of suffocation or getting trapped.
It is also recommended to avoid using duvets, pillows, or baby bumpers in your baby's crib unless they're designed specifically for use in conjunction with a cot or a crib as they could pose a serious hazard and may not be safe. Also, make sure that any toys your baby uses in the crib is securely attached and does not extend too far.
If you're not sure about a certain piece of equipment, you can ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for advice, and make sure you search for a product that is brand new and meets current safety standards, rather than secondhand or hand-me-downs. If you're going to buy a crib that is used, be sure to examine it thoroughly for any damage and ensure all the components are present prior to purchasing it.
Another option is to invest in an infant bassinet. It's similar to a cot, but typically fixes to your bed and doesn't have legs. They're great for newborns and are particularly beneficial if you're recovering from a C-section, since they're a great method to keep your baby close and close to you throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close by at night. Perfect for midnight feeds, heartfelt cuddles and comfort checks while you stay cozy in your bed, this crib comes with features that help you bond with and soothe your newborn. Simply lift or lower the side rails of the crib with just one hand to calm and comfort your little one or for secure sleep monitoring. It has soft rocking functions and an incline feature to help relieve symptoms such as indigestion and stomach pain.
It comes with a huge storage compartment underneath the crib, ideal for nappies and blankets. It's designed to be used with divan beds (check the specifications as some may require straps that are longer) and you don't need to worry about the frame of your bed. Gulhan Arapoglu claimed that it was an adequate size, durable and easy to move from room to room. She also noted that it's a little heavier than other cribs for beds however this is due to the additional features, such as a rocking mode or reflux incline.
Firm mattresses are one of the most important aspects to look out for when choosing a crib. This can reduce the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) because mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood of being suffocated. A mattress that is firm is a healthier choice for your baby since it's more comfortable and supports healthy spinal growth.
You can buy a crib mattress separately. We suggest to purchase an excellent mattress to ensure your baby gets the best possible rest. Check that the mattress meets British safety standards and is the correct size for your child.
If you're thinking of buying a bedside cot crib it's worth doing an extensive search to make sure you're getting the best deal. Black Friday is a great occasion to buy these cribs for a price that is lower. It's recommended to purchase a crib directly from the manufacturer directly so you can be certain of its quality and that it meets the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that can be attached to the bed's side. These cribs are ideal for keeping your baby close enough to reach them easily for evening feedings and help them back to sleep during nap time. They're also a great option for mothers recovering from c-section births, who can find it difficult to get out of bed to tend to their baby in the middle of the night.
There are a wide variety of styles you can pick from, but some features that you may want to be looking for are:
Can it be cleaned with a machine or does it require a hand-washable mattress cover? What size is the mattress and can it be lowered or raised adjusted to accommodate your bed? How much does it weigh and is it easy to move around your home, especially in the event that you plan to use it in more than one room at one time?
Jasmine who was a mom tester, liked that the crib swivels. This made it easier for her to reach into and out of it to take her baby. She also liked the size, stating that it is not as big as a traditional crib but it's larger than standard Moses baskets. It is also comfortable for her baby. It is also easy to put together and folds flat for easy transport. It was somewhat heavy for some moms who were carrying it around, which could be an issue for those with mobility problems.
Another option to think about is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. This is different from other cribs for bed in that it doesn't have drop-down panels, but instead an adjustable side that can be lower to make it easier for baby to reach. It's not 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 by using an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families who want to expand their baby's sleeping space beyond the newborn stage. However, it is not always necessary.
Budget
The best cribs for your bed are those that sit close to your bed so that you can look after your baby, change diapers at night, and feed your baby without having to get up from your bed. It is easy to fold or zip the sides down so you can reach them in the dark. They must also be breathable to give you a comfortable sleep. Most will come with a mattress, which is important because you want it to be a bit firm and flat, not soft or clumpy.
You must also consider the ease of put together - some cribs are simpler than others, with the more complex models costing more. Be sure to consider whether the crib is suitable for your bed or not. Some cribs are only suitable for with a specific type of divan base. This could be a problem if own a bedframe that is unique.
The Next2me Magic crib, which is a favorite among those who have a divan, is a great option 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. Our mom testers have given it a thumbs up, saying it's well-constructed with mesh sides, which you can see the baby's face through. It comes with a shelf to store blankets or nappies and weighs only 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is a different option. It comes in many colours and our mums enjoy it. They love the simplicity of it, and how it's elegant, yet still offers ample space for babies to sleep comfortably. they love the additional features, including incline options to help with reflux, as well as the soothing rocking mechanism.
Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less which makes them more affordable than a Moses basket when you're trying to save money on an initial purchase. Always remember to follow safe sleep guidance but also ensure whether the crib you purchase is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.