Bedside Cot Crib

A bedside crib allows you to sleep comfortably with your newborn without the risk of overheating or even suffocation. These cribs can be attached to the bedside and are particularly useful for c-section mothers who are unable to get out of the bed.

Emily Emily, an MFM home tester was pleased with the bedside cosleeper crib to be easy to put together and loved the mesh windows that permit airflow and a clear view of the baby. It also folds flat and can be put into a an ideal travel cot bedside bag.

Safety

A crib that is Bedside Travel Crib is a unique crib that is able to connect seamlessly to the parents' beds to provide them a convenient way to take care of their infant during the night. This crib lets them access their child easily so that they can feed or soothe their child without having to leave bed, which is very beneficial for parents who may be suffering from sleep deprivation during those early years. It also assists in encouraging a healthy growth of the baby by providing a secure and comfortable environment for sleeping.

A quality bedside crib will have a solid connections and an anti-slip design for the mattress's foot, which helps to reduce the chance of accidents which could result in harm to your baby. They will also conform to safety standards, such as BS EN 1130:2019, which helps to ensure your baby is secure and safe when they sleep. Make sure that the mattress that comes in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, check for any holes or gaps that could increase the risk of suffocation.

It is also recommended to avoid using duvets, pillows, or baby bumpers in your child's crib unless they are designed specifically for use with a crib or cot as they could pose an immediate danger and not be safe. You should also make sure that any toys or objects your baby plays with in the crib are securely anchored to the crib, and aren't too far out of the crib's edges.

If you're uncertain about a piece of equipment, you can always ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for suggestions and search for a product that is new and meets current safety standards, rather than second-hand or hand-me-downs. Examine the crib for any damage before buying it.

Another option is to invest in the bassinet, which is like a cot, but generally, it is attached to your bed and doesn't have legs. These are perfect for newborns and are a great option when you are recovering from a c-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.

Size

Keep baby right next to you during the night with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. Ideal for feeding at midnight, heartfelt cuddles and comfort checks while you are cozy in your bed, this smart crib comes with features that help you bond and soothe your baby. Simply raise or lower the side rail of the crib using one hand to soothe your infant or to provide secure sleep monitoring. It has an easy rocking feature and an incline feature that can aid in relieving symptoms like indigestion and stomach pain.

It has a large storage compartment underneath the crib, ideal for nappies and blankets. It's designed to work with divan beds (check the specifications as some may require longer straps), so you don't have to fret about the frame of your bed. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size and sturdy and easy to move from room to room. She added that it's heavier than some cribs for beds but that's because of the extra features, like a rocking mode and reflux upwards.

Firm mattresses are among the most important aspects to look out for when choosing the crib. Soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, which is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress will also be healthier for your baby's wellbeing, as it is more comfortable and promotes healthy spinal development.

You can purchase a crib mattress separately however we recommend investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your little one gets the best rest possible. Check that the mattress meets British safety regulations and is the correct size for your child.

If you're thinking of buying a cot bed for your bed it's worth doing some careful shopping around to make sure you're getting the best deal. Black Friday is a great time to buy cribs at a bargain. But remember that it's best to buy a crib from the manufacturer directly so that you can be sure of its quality and that it meets the necessary safety standards.

Style

A bedside crib is a bassinet to your bed. They're perfect to keep your newborn close to you, so you can easily reach them for night feedings or help them go back to sleep during nap time. They're also a great option for mothers recovering from c section births, who can find it difficult to get out of bed to tend to their baby in the middle of the night.

There are many different styles to choose from but you should look for the following characteristics:

How easy is it to keep clean - can it be cleaned by hand or is a machine washable mattress cover a must? What is the size of the mattress and can it be raised or lowered to accommodate your bed? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?

Mum test-taker Jasmine particularly loved the fact that the crib is able to swivel, making it easier to reach in and out of to grab her newborn. She also appreciated the size, stating that it's not as large as a traditional crib but it's larger than standard Moses baskets. It's also a comfortable fit for her infant. It's also simple to put together and folds up flat for easy transportation. Some mums found it to be a bit heavy, however, which may be an issue for those who have mobility issues.

The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you can look into. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. This crib is different from others in that it doesn't have a drop-down panel however it does have an adjustable side you can lower so that you can reach your baby. It's not quite as compact as other cribs once dismantled, however it's still transportable and comes with an included travel bag.

Some cribs can be converted into a toddler or cot using an expansion kit. This can be a useful feature for families looking to extend the lifespan of their baby's sleep space long past the infant stage, but isn't always required.

Budget

The best cribs for bedside use can be placed right next to your bed, so that you can watch baby and attend to feedings at night and changing nappy without getting out of your own bed. It is easy to fold or zip the sides down so you can grab them in the dark. They should also be breathable in order to offer comfort. The majority will have beds, which are ideal since you do not want it to be too soft or lumpy.

You must also consider the ease of put together - some cribs are simpler than others, with the more complex models costing more. Consider whether the crib will work with your bed or not. Some cribs may only fit the specific divan base. This could be a problem if you own a bedframe that is more unique.

The Next2me Magic crib which is popular with those who own 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 Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-made, with high mesh sides so you can see the baby's face. Our mom testers have given it a thumbs up. It comes with a shelf to store nappies or blankets and weighs just 10kg.

Another good alternative is the SnuzPod4, available in a variety of colors, and our mums have been very pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim, elegant option that offers plenty of room for baby bedside crib to rest comfortably. Our mums are also awed by features, such as the incline option which aid in reducing reflux, as well as a soothing rocking mechanism.

Both these cribs are available for PS99 or less and are more affordable than a Moses basket for those trying to reduce the cost of an initial purchase. You should always remember to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping though, and check that the crib you purchase conforms to the Lullaby Trust code for safety.