Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby without risk of suffocation or overheating. It is designed to be attached to the side of your bed, they're beneficial for mothers of c-sections who are finding getting out of bed a challenge.
Emily, a MFM home tester Emily, a home tester for MFM, found the crib to be easy to put together. She also liked the mesh windows that allow for airflow and a clear view of the baby. It can be folded flat and put into a convenient travel bag.
Safety
A bedside cot crib is an innovative crib that is seamlessly connected to the parents bed to provide a comfortable way for parents to care for their baby during the night. This crib allows parents to easily reach their child to comfort or feed them without leaving bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers who may be suffering from sleep deprivation in the beginning of their pregnancy. It also helps to promote a healthy growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable environment for sleeping.
A good quality bedside cot crib should have solid connections and an anti-slip design for the bed's foot that reduces the risk of accidents that could result in harm to your baby. They also meet safety standards like BS EN 1130:2019, which helps to ensure your baby is safe and secure when they sleep. Also, make sure the mattress you get with your crib is firm rather than soft, and check for any gaps that could increase your baby's danger of suffocation or getting trapped.
Avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers to your baby's crib, in the event that they were not intended to be used in conjunction with a crib. They could pose an extremely risk to safety, and may not be up to the required safety standards. You should also make sure that any toys or objects your baby is playing with in the crib are securely secured to the crib and aren't too far out of the edges.
If you're not sure about a piece of equipment, you can always ask other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for advice, and make sure you choose a crib that is brand new and meets current safety standards, rather than secondhand or hand-me-downs. If you're planning to purchase a crib that is used, be sure to make sure you check it for damage and ensure all the components are in place before you buy it.
A bassinet is an alternative. It's similar to a crib however, it is typically attached to your bed. It does not have legs. They are ideal for babies and are ideal if you are recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you all the time.
Size
Keep baby close to you in the evening with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. This clever crib has many features that aid you in bonding with your baby and soothe them. It is perfect for midnight feedings as well as cuddles and comfort checks. You can easily raise or lower the side rail of the crib with just one hand to calm and comfort your child, or to monitor your child's sleep. It also features a soft rocking mode and an incline function to alleviate symptoms of reflux, such as indigestion or tummy pain.
It comes with a huge storage space beneath the crib that is ideal for nappies and blankets. It's also designed to fit divan beds, so you don't have to worry about the frame. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size and robust and easy to move from room to room. She also said that it's a bit heavier than other cribs for bed, but this is because of the additional features such as the rocking mode and reflux incline.
Recommended Reading that are firm are among the most important aspects to look for when choosing a crib. Mattresses with soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress is also better for your baby since it's more comfortable and aids in healthy growth of the spine.
You can purchase the crib mattress separately. We recommend to purchase the best quality mattress to give your baby the best quality sleep. Verify that the mattress meets British safety standards and is a suitable size for your baby.
It's worthwhile to shop around for the best price when you're thinking of purchasing a bedside crib. Making use of Black Friday sales is a fantastic method to save on these cribs. Be sure to purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are safe and meet the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that attaches to the side of your bed. They're great to keep your baby close to you so that you can easily reach them during night feedings or soothe them back to sleep during nap time. They're also a great option for mothers recovering from c section births, who might struggle to get out of bed to take care of their child in the middle of the night.
There's a broad range of styles to pick from, but some characteristics that you might like to look out for include:
Can it be cleaned with a machine or does it require a hand-washable mattress cover? What size is the bed and can you adjust it to fit? What's the weight and is it easy to move around your home, particularly if you plan to use it in more than one room at one time?
Mum tester Jasmine particularly liked the fact that this crib is able to swivel, making it easier to reach into and out of to grab her newborn. She also appreciated its size, saying it's not as large as a traditional crib, but it's bigger than the standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also simple to put together and it folds flat, making it easy to move. It was a bit heavy for some mothers, which could be a problem for those who have 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 or Moses Basket category. It's different from other bedside cribs in that it does not have an adjustable panel, but instead an adjustable side that can be lower to reach baby. It's not as compact as other cribs, but it is still mobile and comes with a travel bag.
Some cribs can convert into a toddler bed or cot using an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families looking to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the infant stage. However, it's not always required.
Budget
The best bedside cribs 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. It is easy to fold or zip the sides so you can access them in the dark. They must also be breathable to provide comfort. Most will come with mattresses, which is important because you want it to be firm and flat, not soft or lumpy.
It is also important to consider how easy it is to assemble - some are much simpler than others, with the more complex models costing more. Also, think about whether the crib is designed to fit your own bed or not. Certain cribs can only be fitted to a certain type of divan base. This could be a problem if own a bedframe that is more unusual.
The Next2me Magic crib, which is a favorite among those who have a divan, is a great choice for those who already have one. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Award in the category of the Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket. Our mom testers have given it the positive review, saying that it's made with mesh sides that you can see your baby's face through. It has a shelf that can be used for blankets or nappies and weighs just 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is a different option. It comes in many colors and our moms are in love with it. They appreciate the fact that it's slim and sleek, yet it offers plenty of space for baby to rest comfortably. And they appreciate the additional features, such as an incline option to aid with reflux and an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be purchased at PS99 or under, making them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you are looking to save on the initial cost of your purchase. Always remember to follow safe sleep guidance though, and check that the crib you purchase conforms to the Lullaby Trust code for safety.