Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside cot crib allows you to sleep comfortably with your newborn without putting your baby at risk of overheating or the risk of suffocation. These cribs are attached to the bedside crib and cot and are particularly beneficial for mothers who have difficulty to get out of their bed.
MFM home tester Emily found this crib easy to assemble, and she loved the mesh windows to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It also folds flat and can be put into a a handy travel cot bedside bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is a new crib that is able to connect seamlessly to the parents' beds to give them a convenient way to care for their baby during the night. The crib lets parents easily reach their baby to comfort or feed them without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who be suffering from sleep deprivation in the first few months. It also assists in encouraging the growth of the baby by providing a secure and comfortable sleep environment.
A high-quality crib for bed will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design at the foot of the bed. This helps reduce the risk of accidents that could harm your baby. They will also conform to safety standards like BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure your baby is safe and secure when they are asleep. Also, make sure the mattress you get with your crib is firm, not 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 for your baby's crib unless they were designed to be used in conjunction with a crib. They can be a serious safety hazard, and may not be up to the required safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any toys your baby plays with in the crib is securely attached and does not extend too far.
If you're not sure about a particular piece of equipment, consult other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for advice and choose a crib that is brand new and meets current safety standards, rather than secondhand or hand-me-downs. If you're looking to purchase a used crib, check it thoroughly for damages and ensure that all parts are there prior to purchasing it.
A bassinet is a different option. It's similar to a crib, but it is typically attached to your bed. It doesn't have legs. They are ideal for babies, and are great if you are recovering from a c-section. They keep your baby close to you all the time.
Size
Keep your baby close to you in the evening with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. This innovative crib comes with a variety of features that can help you bond with your baby and soothe them. It is perfect for nighttime feedings as well as cuddles and comfort checks. Simply raise or lower the side rails of the crib with one hand to soothe your little one or for secure monitoring of sleep. It also features a soft rocking mode as well as an incline function to help relieve symptoms of reflux, like indigestion or tummy pain.
It comes with a huge storage compartment beneath the crib, perfect for blankets and nappies. It's designed to be used with divan beds (check the specifications as some may require longer straps) and 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, sturdy and easy to move from room to room. She also said it's heavier than some bedside cribs but that's because of the extra features such as a rocking mode and reflux incline.
One of the most important factors to look for in a crib is its firm mattress. Mattresses with soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress can be better for your baby, as it is more comfortable and encourages healthy spinal development.
You can purchase an individual crib mattress however we recommend purchasing a top quality model to ensure that your child gets the best rest possible. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and that it's the right size for your baby.
If you're thinking of buying a bedside cot crib it's worth doing some careful shopping around to make sure you're getting the best deal. Utilizing Black Friday sales is a great way to save money on these cribs. Just remember that it's still recommended to purchase a crib from the manufacturer directly, so you are certain of its quality and that it meets the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside cot for twins crib is an attached bassinet to your bed. They're ideal to keep your baby close to you, so you can easily reach them during night feedings or to soothe them to sleep during nap times. They're also great for mothers who have had c-sections but struggle to get up at the middle of the night to take care of their infant.
There are a variety of styles to choose from however, you should search for the following qualities:
Can it be cleaned with a machine or do you need a hand-washable mattress cover? What is the size of the mattress and can it be raised or lower to accommodate your bed? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?
Jasmine as a mother tester, loved 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 the size of it, saying it's not as big as a full-sized crib but it's bigger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for babies. It's also simple to put together and folds flat, which makes it easy to transport. It was quite heavy for some mums, which could be an issue for those with mobility problems.
Another option to consider is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. The crib differs from others in that it does not 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 as compact as other bedside cribs, but it is still transportable and comes with an included travel bag.
Some cribs can convert into a toddler bed or cot with an expansion kit. This feature is useful for families who want to expand their baby's sleeping space beyond the baby stage. However, it is not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use are those that sit near your bed, to let you watch your baby, change diapers at night, and feed your baby without getting up from your bed. You can easily fold or zip the sides so you can grab them in the dark. They should also be breathable to offer comfort. Many will come with a mattress, which is crucial because you want it to be a bit firm and flat, not extremely soft or lumpy.
You must also consider the ease of build - some cribs are easier than others, with the more complex models costing more. Consider whether the crib is designed to be a perfect fit for your bed or not. Certain cribs can only be fitted to a certain type of divan base. This could be a problem if you own a bedframe that is more unusual.
The Next2me Magic crib which is popular with those who own a divan, is a great choice 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 was well-made, with high mesh sides to let you see the baby's face. Our mom testers gave it a thumbs up. It has a shelf that can be used for blankets or nappies and weighs only 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is another option. It comes in a variety of colors and our moms love it. The SnuzPod4 is a slim, sleek option that still offers plenty of space for babies to rest comfortably. Our mothers are also awed by features like incline options, which help with reflux, as well as a relaxing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs are available for PS99 or less, which makes them more affordable than a Moses basket if you're trying to save money on an initial purchase. Always follow safe sleeping guidelines and make sure the crib you choose is secure.