Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without risk of overheating or suffocation. These cot cribs attach to the bedside and are helpful for mothers having a c-section who have difficulty to get out of the bed.
MFM home test Emily found this bedside crib to be easy to put together, and loved the mesh windows to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It folds flat and stowed into bags for travel.
Safety
A bedside crib is a unique crib that seamlessly connects with the parents bed to provide a comfortable way for parents to care for their baby at night. This crib lets them reach their baby easily so they can feed or comfort them without leaving the bed, which is helpful for new parents who suffer from sleep deprivation in the early years. It promotes healthy growth for the infant by providing a safe and comfortable environment.
A high-quality crib for bed will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design at the bottom of the bed. This reduces the risk of accidents that could harm your baby. These cribs will also meet safety standards like BS EN 1130, which ensures that your baby is secure and protected when they sleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress included in your crib is firm, not soft, and check 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, in the event that they were not designed to be used with a crib. They could pose a serious safety hazard and might not meet the safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any toys or items your baby plays with in the crib are securely attached to the crib, and aren't too far out of the edges.
Ask other parents for their advice when you're not sure about a piece of equipment. Also, search for items that are brand new and have met the current safety standards instead of ones that were handed down or second-hand. If you're looking to purchase an older crib, make sure you examine it thoroughly for any damage and ensure all the components are in place before purchasing it.
Another alternative is to purchase an infant bassinet. It's similar to a cot but generally, it is attached to your bed and does not have legs. They are great for babies and are especially great for those recovering from a C-section, because they're the perfect way 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 during the night. Ideal for feeding at midnight, heartfelt cuddles and comfort checks while you are cozy in your bed, this smart crib is packed with features to help you bond with and soothe your baby. You can easily raise or lower the side rail of the crib using just one hand to soothe and comfort your child to monitor your child's sleep. It also features a soft rocking mode and an incline function to alleviate symptoms of reflux, like indigestion or tummy pain.
It has a huge storage area underneath the crib that's perfect for nappies or blankets. It's also 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 and robust and easy to move around from room to room. She also said it's heavier than some cribs for beds but that's because of the extra features, like an adjustable rocking mode as well as a reflux upwards.
One of the most important things to look for in a crib is a mattress that is firm. Mattresses with soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress is also an ideal choice for your child as it is more comfortable and helps support healthy growth of the spine.
You can buy the crib mattress separately. However, we recommend that you purchase a high-quality model to give your baby the best quality sleep. Check that the crib mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and is a suitable size for your baby.
It's worth shopping around for the best price if you're considering buying a crib for your bed. Black Friday is a great opportunity to purchase these cribs at a discount. Remember that you should always buy cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are safe and meet the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that can be attached to the bed's side. They're perfect for keeping your newborn close to you so you can easily reach them for evening feedings or soothe them back to sleep during nap time. They're also a great option for mums recovering from c-section births, who may find it difficult to get up to tend to their baby in the middle of the night.
There are many different styles to choose from however, you should search for the following qualities:
Can it be cleaned by machine or does it require an unwashable mattress cover? What size is the bed and can you adjust it to make it more suitable? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?
Jasmine as a mother test subject, was pleased that the crib swivels. This made it easier for her to reach into and out of it to take her baby. She also appreciated the size, saying that it is not as large as a full-sized baby crib but it is larger than the standard Moses baskets. It is also comfortable for her infant. It's also easy to build and can be folded flat, making it easy to transport. It was quite heavy for some mums who were carrying it around, which could be an issue for those with mobility issues.
Another alternative to consider is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. This crib is 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 when dismantled like other cribs however it's quite lightweight and comes with a bag for easy storage.
Some cribs can be converted into a cot or toddler using an expansion kit. This feature is useful for families who wish to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the newborn stage. However, it's not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use are those that sit next to your bed to let you watch your baby, change diapers in the evening, and feed your baby without getting up from your bed. You can easily fold or zip the sides so you can grab them in the dark. They should also be breathable to provide comfort. Many will come with mattresses, which is crucial since you need it to be firm and flat rather than extremely soft or clumpy.
The cost of more complicated models will be higher. Consider whether bedside co sleeper was designed to be a perfect fit for your bed or not. Some cribs may only work with a particular type of divan base, which can be a problem if have a bed that is more unique.
The Next2me Magic crib which is a favorite among those who have a divan, is a great option for those who already have one. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the category of the best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. It was well-made and has a high mesh side that let you see the baby's face. Our mum testers liked it and 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 a variety of colors and our moms enjoy it. They like the design, which is slim and sleek, yet it offers ample space for their baby to rest comfortably. And they love the additional features, such as an incline option to aid with reflux and the soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs are available for PS99 or less which makes them an affordable alternative to a Moses basket if you're looking to save money on your initial investment. It is important to adhere to the safe sleep guidelines however, and ensure that the crib you buy meets the Lullaby Trust code for safety.