Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside crib allows you to safely co-sleep with your infant without risking overheating or death by suffocation. It is designed to be attached to the sides of your bed, they're beneficial for mothers of c-sections who are finding getting out of bed difficult.
Emily, a MFM home tester, found the bedside crib easy to put together. She also liked the mesh windows that permit airflow and a clear view of the baby. It folds flat, and fits into bags for travel.
Safety
A bedside crib is an innovative crib that is seamlessly connected to the parents bed to provide a convenient way for parents to care for their baby at night. This crib allows parents to easily reach their infant so that they can soothe or feed them while they are in bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who be suffering from sleep deprivation in the early months. It promotes healthy growth for the infant by providing an environment that is safe and secure.
A top-quality bedside crib will have a solid connection and an anti-slip design on the foot of the bed. This helps to reduce the chance of accidents that may harm your baby. They will also conform to safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which helps to ensure your baby is safe and secure when they sleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress you get with your crib is firm rather than soft, and also look for any gaps that could increase your child's risk of suffocation or entrapment.
Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers to your baby's crib, except if they were specifically made to be used with a crib. They can pose danger to your child's safety and may not meet the required safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any toys or items your baby plays with in the crib are securely anchored to the crib, and do not protrude too far of the crib's edges.
If you're not sure about a piece of equipment, ask other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for advice and choose a crib that is new and meets current safety standards, not second-hand or hand-me-downs. If you're planning to purchase an older crib, make sure you examine it thoroughly for any damages and ensure that all components are in place before purchasing it.
Another alternative is to buy the bassinet, which is similar to a cot, but typically fixes 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, since they're a great option to keep your baby close and by your side at all times.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night. Ideal for feeding at midnight or heartfelt cuddles, as well as comfort checks while you are snug in your bed, this smart crib is packed with features to aid in bonding and soothing your baby. Simply raise or lower the side rails of the crib with one hand to calm and comfort your baby or for secure monitoring of sleep. It features an easy rocking feature and an incline feature that can aid in relieving symptoms like stomach pain and indigestion.
It has a huge storage space underneath the crib, which is perfect for blankets or nappies. It's designed to fit divan beds, so you don't have to worry about the frame. Gulhan Arapoglu stated that it was a good size, sturdy, and easy to move from room to room. She adds that it's a bit heavier than some bedside cribs but that's because of the additional features like the rocking mode and the reflux incline.
One of the most important aspects to look for in a crib is its firm mattress. This can reduce the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of suffocation. A mattress that is firm will be better for your baby's wellbeing, as it is more comfortable and helps to promote healthy spinal development.
You can purchase an individual crib mattress, but we recommend investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your little one gets the best rest possible. Check that the crib mattress meets British safety standards and that it's the right size for your baby.
It's worthwhile to shop for the best price when you're thinking of purchasing a bedside crib. Making use of Black Friday sales is a great option to save money on these cribs. Make sure you 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 attaches to the side of your bed. These cribs are ideal to keep your baby close enough that you can reach them easily during night feedings and soothe them back to sleep during nap time. They're also a godsend for mothers recovering from c-section births, who might be unable to get out of bed to look after their baby during the night.
There are a variety of styles available however, you should search for the following characteristics:
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 mattress and can it be lowered or raised lower to fit your bed? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?
Mum test subject Jasmine particularly liked the fact that this crib swivels, which made it easier to reach in and out of to grab her newborn. She also admired its size and said it's not as big as a standard crib, but is bigger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for babies. It's also simple to build and it folds flat, making it easy to move. Some moms complained that it was to be a bit heavy, but this could be a problem for those who have mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you could consider. It won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. This crib is different from the rest because it does not 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 some other bedside crib s however it's quite portable and comes with a travel bag for easy storage.
Some cribs can be converted to a toddler cot or a cot using an expansion kit. This can be a useful feature for families looking to extend the lifespan of their baby's sleeping space well beyond the infant stage, but isn't always necessary.
Budget
The best cribs for your bed are ones that are placed near your bed, so that you can look after your baby, change nappys in the evening, and feed your baby without having to get up from your bed. They'll typically have sides that fold or zip down easily, to allow you to reach over in the dark to pick them up and they'll also be breathable for comfort. Most will come with mattresses, which are crucial because you want it to be a bit firm and flat rather than extremely soft or clumpy.
You must also consider how easy it is to put together - some cribs are easier than others, with the more complex models costing more. Consider whether the crib will work with your bed or not. Some cribs may only fit with a specific type of divan base. This could be a problem if own a bedframe that is more unique.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great option for those who have divan beds. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's well-constructed and has a high mesh side to let you see the baby's face. Our mum testers gave it a thumbs up. It also comes with a handy storage shelf to store nappies and blankets, and is relatively lightweight at 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is another option. It comes in many colours and our mums enjoy it. They love the design, which is slim and elegant, yet still offers ample space for babies to rest comfortably. And they are enthralled by the extra features, such as incline options to help with reflux, as well as a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less and are a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket if you're looking to save money on an initial investment. It is important to follow safe sleep guidance however, and ensure that the crib you purchase is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.