Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside cot crib lets you to sleep comfortably with your infant without the risk of overheating or even death by suffocation. These cribs are attached to the bedside and are especially useful for c-section mothers who find it difficult to get out of the bed.
MFM home tester Emily found this crib to be easy to put together, and loved the mesh windows to allow for airflow and visibility for babies. It can be folded flat and put into bags for travel.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is a new crib that connects seamlessly to parents' beds to provide parents with a convenient method to care for their baby at night. This crib allows them to reach their baby easily so they can feed or comfort them without leaving the bed. This is beneficial for parents who suffer from sleep deprivation during those first few months. It also helps to promote the growth of the baby by providing a secure and comfortable sleep environment.
A good quality bedside crib will have a solid connections and an anti-slip design for the bed's foot, which helps to reduce the chance of accidents that could potentially cause harm to your baby. They also have to meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure that your child is safe and secure while they are asleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress included in your crib is firm rather than soft, and look for any gaps that could increase your baby's risk of suffocation or entrapment.
It is also recommended to be wary of using duvets, pillows, or baby bumpers in your child's crib unless they're designed specifically to be used with a crib or cot, as they can pose danger and not meet safety standards. Also, make sure 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 edges.
Ask other parents for suggestions in case you are uncertain about certain pieces of equipment. Also, search for products that are new and have met current safety standards rather than ones that were passed down or second-hand. Make sure the crib is free of damage prior to purchasing it.
Another alternative is to purchase the bassinet, which is similar to a cot but generally, it is attached to your bed and doesn't have legs. These are perfect for newborns and are ideal for those recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you at all times.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close at night. This clever crib has many features that will help you bond with your newborn and soothe them. It is perfect for nighttime feedings as well as cuddles and comfort check-ups. Simply lift or lower the side rails of the crib using one hand to calm and comfort your little one or for safe sleep monitoring. It also has a gentle rocking mode as well as an incline function to ease the symptoms of reflux, including stomach pain or indigestion.
It has a large storage space underneath the crib, which is ideal for blankets and nappies. It's designed to work with divan beds (check the specifications for specific ones that may require straps that are longer) and you don't need to worry about your bed frame. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size and sturdy and easy to move around from room to room. She added that it's a bit heavier than other cribs for bed however this is due to the extra features, like the rocking mode and the reflux upwards.
One of the most important things to look for in a crib is a mattress that is firm. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm will be more beneficial for your baby's wellbeing, as it is more comfortable and helps to promote healthy spinal development.
You can buy a crib mattress on its own however we suggest buying a high-end model to ensure that your baby gets the best rest possible. Check that the crib mattress meets British safety standards and that it's the right size for your baby.
If you're considering purchasing a bedside crib it's worth doing some careful shopping around to ensure you're getting the best price. Utilizing Black Friday sales is a fantastic option to save money on these useful cribs. Make sure you buy cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are safe and meet the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side. These cribs are ideal for keeping your baby close enough to access them easily for evening feedings and help them back to sleep during nap time. They are also ideal for mums who have had c-sections and are unable to get up at the middle of the night to take care of their infant.
There's a variety of styles you can pick from, but some features that you might like to look out for include:
How easy is it to keep it clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is a machine washable mattress cover essential? How big is the bed and can you lower or raise it to accommodate? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?
Jasmine as a mother tester, liked that the crib rotates. This made it easier for her to reach into and out of it to pick up her baby. She also liked its size and said it's not as big as a full-sized crib but it's bigger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also simple to put together and folds up flat for easy transportation. It was somewhat heavy for some mothers who were carrying it around, which could be an issue for those with mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option to think about. It won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. The crib differs from others in that it doesn't include a drop-down panel however it does have an adjustable side that you can lower so that you can reach your baby. It's not as compact as other cribs for bed, but it's still fairly mobile and comes with a bag for easy storage.
Other cribs are designed to be converted into a toddler bed or cot by using an expansion kit. This feature is useful for families who want to increase their baby's sleeping space beyond the infant stage. However, it's not always needed.
Budget
The best bedside cribs will sit right by your bed, so that you can keep an eye on baby and take care of night feeds and nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. You can easily fold or zip the sides so you can reach them in the dark. They should also be breathable to give you a comfortable sleep. The majority will have an upholstered bed, which is ideal as you don't want it too soft or lumpy.
The cost of the more complicated models will likely be higher. Be sure to consider whether the crib will fit your bed or not. Certain cribs can only be fitted to with a specific type of divan base. This could be a problem for you if you have a bedframe that is unique.
The Next2me Magic crib that is popular with parents 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. Our mum testers have given it the thumbs up, saying it's well-made with mesh sides that you can see your baby's face through. It comes with a shelf to store nappies or blankets, and is lightweight at only 10kg.
click here is the SnuzPod4, which is available in a variety of colors and our moms have been extremely pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim and sleek option that still offers plenty of room for baby to sleep comfortably. Our moms are also awed by features such as incline options, which help with reflux, as well as a relaxing, rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be purchased at PS99 or less, making them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you are looking to cut costs on the initial cost of your purchase. Always remember to follow safe sleep guidance though, and check whether the crib you purchase is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.
