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 useful for c-section mothers who are unable to get out of their bed.
MFM home tester Emily found this bedside crib easy to assemble, and loved the mesh windows for breathability and baby visibility. It folds flat, and fits into an ideal travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib crib is a new crib that connects seamlessly to parents' beds to give an easy way to care for their baby during the night. This crib allows parents to easily reach their infant so that they can soothe or feed them without having to leave the bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who be suffering from sleep deprivation during the beginning of their pregnancy. It also helps to promote a healthy growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.
A good quality bedside cot crib should have solid connections and an anti-slip design for the bed's foot which reduces the risk of accidents that could potentially cause harm to your baby. They will also conform to safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure that your child is safe and secure while they sleep. Check that the mattress in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, look for any gaps or holes that could increase your child's risk of suffocation.
Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers to your baby's crib except if they were specifically made to be used in conjunction with a crib. They can pose an extremely risk to safety and may not meet the safety standards. You should also ensure that any toy your baby utilizes in the crib are securely attached and doesn't extend out too far.
Ask other parents for their advice when you're not sure about a piece of equipment. Also, look for products that are new and have met the current safety standards instead of those that were passed down or used. If you're planning to purchase a used crib, make sure you check it for damages and ensure that all parts are there before you buy it.
A bassinet is an alternative. It is similar to a crib but is usually fixed to your bed. It does not have legs. They are great for newborns and are a great option for those recovering from the c-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close at night. Perfect for feeding your baby at night or heartfelt cuddles, as well as check-ups on your comfort while you're snug in your bed, this clever crib is packed with features to help you bond with and soothe your newborn. You can easily raise or lower the side rail of the crib with just one hand, to calm and comfort your child or for a safe way to monitor sleep. It also features a soft rocking mode and an incline function to help relieve symptoms of reflux, including stomach pain or indigestion.
It has a huge storage space beneath the crib that's perfect for blankets or nappies. It's designed to fit divan beds so you don't have to worry about the frame. Gulhan Arapoglu said that it was a good size, sturdy and easy to move from room room. She also said it's heavier than other cribs for bed but that's because of the extra features, like a rocking mode and reflux upwards.
One of the most important aspects to look for in a crib is its mattress that is firm. This helps reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as soft mattresses increase the chance of being suffocated. A firm mattress will also be more beneficial for your baby's wellbeing, as it is more comfortable and encourages healthy spinal development.
You can buy a crib mattress separately, but we recommend buying a high-end model to ensure that your baby gets the best rest possible. Make sure the mattress meets British safety standards and is an appropriate size for your baby.
If you're considering purchasing a bedside cot crib it's worth doing an extensive search to ensure that you're getting the best price. Black Friday is a great opportunity to purchase these cribs at a discount. Remember that you should always purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are safe and meet the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed. They're perfect to keep your newborn close to you, so you can easily reach them during night feedings or to soothe them to sleep during nap times. They're also a godsend for mothers recovering from c-section births, who may struggle to get up to look after their baby in the middle of the night.
There's a variety of different styles to choose from, but some characteristics that you might like to be looking for are:
How easy it is to keep clean - can it be cleaned by hand or is a machine washable mattress cover required? What size is the bed and can you lower or raise it to accommodate? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?
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 baby. She also liked the size, stating that it's not as big as a traditional crib but it is larger than standard Moses baskets. It's also comfortable for her infant. It's also simple to assemble and folds flat for easy transport. It was somewhat heavy for some mums and could be an issue for those with mobility problems.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you can look into. It won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. This is distinct from other cribs for beds in that it doesn't come with drop-down panels, but instead an adjustable side that you can lower to allow baby to get closer. It's not as compact like other cribs however, it's still portable and comes with a travel bag that makes it easy to store.
Some cribs can be transformed into a cot or toddler using an expansion kit. This can be a useful option for families planning to extend the duration of their baby's sleeping space long past the infant stage, but it's not always necessary.
Budget
The best bedside cribs are those that are next to your bed so you can watch your baby, change nappys at night, 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 grab them and they'll also be breathable to ensure comfort. Most will come with a bed, which is ideal because you don't want it too soft or lumpy.
You should also factor in how easy it is to put together - some cribs are simpler than others, with the more complicated models likely costing more. Be sure to consider whether the crib will fit your bed or not. Some cribs are only compatible with a specific type of divan base, and this could be an issue if you have a bed that is more unique.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great option for those who have divan beds, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Our mums who have tested it have given it the positive review, saying that it's well-made with high mesh sides that you can see your baby's face through. It has a shelf for nappies or blankets, and weighs only 10kg.
The SnuzPod4 is an alternative. It comes in many colors and our moms love it. They like the fact that it's slim and sleek, but still provides 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 an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be purchased at PS99 or less, making them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you are looking to save on your initial investment. Always adhere to bedside crib and travel cot sleeping guidelines and ensure that the crib you pick is safe.