Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside cot crib allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your infant without putting your baby at risk of overheating or death by suffocation. It is designed to be attached to the sides of your bed, they're especially useful for mothers who find getting out of bed difficult.
MFM home tester Emily found this crib easy to assemble, and loved the mesh windows to allow for airflow and visibility for babies. It can be folded flat and stowed into bags for travel.
Safety
A bedside cot crib is an innovative crib that is seamlessly connected to the parents' bed to provide a comfortable method for parents to care for their infant at night. The crib lets parents reach their baby easily so they can feed and comfort their child without having to leave the bed, which is useful for new parents who may be suffering from sleep deprivation in the early months. It promotes healthy growth for the baby by creating a safe and comfortable environment.
A good quality bedside crib will have a a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the mattress's foot that reduces the chance of accidents which could cause injury to your baby. They will also conform to safety standards like BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure your baby is safe and secure while they sleep. Check that the mattress that comes in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, check for any gaps or holes that could increase the risk of suffocation.
Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers for your baby's crib unless they were designed to be used in conjunction with a crib. They can pose a serious safety hazard, and may not meet the safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any toy your baby utilizes in the crib are securely attached and doesn't protrude out too far.
If you're not sure about a particular piece of equipment, you can ask other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for advice, and make sure you search for a product that is new and meets current safety standards, rather than second-hand or used cribs. If you're looking to purchase a used crib, make sure you check it for damages and ensure that all parts are there before you buy it.
Another option is to invest in a bassinet, which is like a cot, but typically fixes to your bed and does not have legs. These are perfect for newborns and are ideal when you are recovering from the c-section. They keep your baby close to you at all times.
Size
Keep baby close to you in the evening with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. Ideal for feeding at midnight or heartfelt cuddles, as well as check-ups on your comfort while you're cosy in your own bed, this smart crib is packed with features to aid in bonding and soothing your newborn. It is easy to raise or lower the side rail of the crib using just one hand to soothe and comfort your child for safe sleep monitoring. bedside co sleeper cot features a soft rocking mode and incline function to ease the symptoms of reflux, such as stomach pain or indigestion.
It has a large storage area underneath the crib, which is ideal for nappies and blankets. It's also designed to be compatible with divan beds (check the specs because some might require straps that are longer), so you don't have 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 also noted that it is a little heavier than other bedside cribs however this is due to additional features such as a rocking mode or reflux incline.
One of the most important things to look for in a crib is a firm mattress. Mattresses with soft mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress is also an ideal choice for your baby as it is more comfortable and helps support healthy spinal growth.
You can purchase a crib mattress separately however we recommend investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your child will get the best quality sleep possible. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and is an appropriate size for your baby.
If you're considering buying a bedside crib, it's worth doing some research to ensure that you're getting the best price. Taking advantage of Black Friday sales is a fantastic option to save money on these practical cribs. But remember that it's best to buy a crib from the manufacturer directly, so you can be certain of its high-quality and that it meets the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet to your bed. These cribs are ideal to keep your baby close enough to reach them easily during night feedings and soothe them back to sleep during nap time. They're also a blessing for mothers recovering from c-section births, who can be unable to get out of bed to take care of their child in the middle of the night.
There are a variety of styles to choose from, but you should look for the following characteristics:
Can it be cleaned with a machine or do you need an easy-to-clean mattress cover? What size is the mattress and can it be raised or lowered to accommodate your bed? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?
Mum tester Jasmine particularly loved the fact that the crib can swivel, which made it easier to reach into and out of to take her newborn. She also admired its size and said it's not as large as a full-sized crib but it's larger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also easy to put together and folds flat for easy transport. It was somewhat heavy for some moms, which could be an issue for those with mobility issues.
Another option to think about is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. This is different from other bedside cribs in that it doesn't have a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that you can lower to reach baby. It's not as compact when dismantled as some other bedside cribs however, it's still portable and comes with a bag for easy storage.
Some cribs can be converted into a toddler bed or cot with an expansion kit. This can be a beneficial option for families planning to extend the life of their baby's sleep space far beyond the infant stage, but it's not always necessary.
Budget
The best bedside cribs are those that are next to your bed so that you can look after your baby, change diapers at night, and feed your baby without getting 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 scoop them up, and they should also be breathable to ensure comfort. The majority will have beds, which are ideal since you don't want it too soft or lumpy.
The cost of more complicated models will likely be higher. Consider whether the crib is suitable for your bed or not. Certain cribs can only be fitted to the specific divan base. This could be a problem if have a bedframe that is unique.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a good option for parents with a divan bed, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's well-constructed with high-quality mesh sides to let you see the baby's face. Our mom testers have given it a thumbs up. It has a shelf that can be used for nappies or blankets, and is lightweight at only 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is another option. It comes in a variety of colors and our moms love it. They love the design, which is slim and sleek, yet it offers ample space for babies to sleep comfortably, and they appreciate the additional features, like incline options to help with reflux and the soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be bought at PS99 or less, making them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you're looking to cut costs on the initial cost. Always adhere to safe guidelines for sleeping and make sure the crib you select is safe.