Bedside Crib and Cot
A bedside crib or cot can be easily reached for night feedings and comforting. Many come with adjustable heights and a firm, flat air-conditioned mattress that helps your baby sleep deeply and comfortably.
Mum tester Jasmin appreciated this crib's size and said it's larger than the standard Moses baskets but not too big. She also loved the mesh windows and the 30-second open-folding mechanism.
Ease of access
A bedside cosleeper crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bedside bassinet is a specifically designed sleep solution that allows babies to be close to their parents without the risks of co-sleeping (like falling off the parent's bed or being suffocated). It can be particularly helpful for mothers who have had C-sections, as they recover and assist them in adjusting to the swing with their baby.
While it's a great way to get used to sharing space with your baby, there are some things to take into account when buying one. It is important to make sure that the crib has at minimum 12cm of a wall or barrier to prevent your child from rolling over and falling onto your side. It should also have an easy-to-reach drop-down side so that you can reach over and pick up your little one in the night for feeding or comforting. It's important that it fits well beside your bed.
The best-rated crib for bedside baby sleeper use is the SnuzPod 4. It is a global bestseller due to its Scandi design and an array of features. It comes with the ComfortAir technology, which regulates temperature and maximizes airflow. The HALO BassiNest Essentia is also a popular choice. It features an adjustable sleeping area that swivels and the sidewall can be easily removed so that you can reach in to pick your baby up or soothe them. Similar to the Joie Roomie Glide has an easily collapsible side which allows you to simply push it down with your fingers and it will automatically return to its upright position.
All the cribs we have reviewed here can be easily placed beside your bed. They also conform to the new BS EN1130 safety standards, which set higher standards for this kind of product. There are some older cribs that don't meet these standards are available for sale, but they will gradually disappear from the market as manufacturers replace them with the new safer models. Make sure you check the model you're thinking about purchasing has this new safety standard to ensure it's safe.
Safety
It is crucial to ensure an environment that is safe and secure for your infant. When selecting a crib, or cot, make sure you choose one that is affixed to NHS safety standards and has been certified by childcare experts such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs are a secure, practical solution for parents who wish to keep their children close. This encourages bonding and gives them the peace of mind knowing that they're not in danger.
If you are looking for a bedside crib that turns into cot cot, bassinet or cot, make sure it has a solid mattress with no gaps that could lead to suffocation or entrapment. Also, ensure that the crib frame is sturdy and that the slats are spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches apart. Check that the mattress size is in line with EN 16890 and has been tested to assure strength, stability and firmness.
You should also avoid adding any items to your baby's crib that increase the risk of suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation such as blankets, pillows, and toys or other items unless they're specifically designed for sleeping. Avoid sleep wedges and positioning devices, as they have not been clinically proven to aid your baby's sleep. They could also be dangerous.
It's a good idea buy a crib that has fixed sides, as opposed to those that have drop sides, as these are considered safer. Avoid cribs that have mobiles attached, as they can create a strangulation or choking risk to your child when the string or cord gets caught in.
Finally, be certain to verify that the crib's hardware is free of sharp edges that could scratch or injure your baby. Also, ensure that the crib's mattress and bedding are securely secured and that there are no broken or loose screws, brackets, buckles or snaps. You should also look for a JPMA Certification seal, since this indicates that the crib has been sample tested and has met the industry's highest safety standards. You can find the seal by searching for a specific product category on JPMA's Certification Directory.
Practicality
If you'd like to sleep close to your baby but do not want to share the same bed the bedside crib is a great alternative. Also called co-sleepers or bedside bassinets, these babies' beds attach to the side of the parents' bed providing them with a secure space in which to sleep but within easy reach for night feedings and providing comfort. This close interaction strengthens the bond between parents and children, and encourages healthy sleeping patterns. Parents can also respond promptly to any wake-related needs during the night.
Many cribs come with an additional side panel that can be detached and kept down at night to let you view your baby easily and lift them out towards you for feeding, changing nappy or just for calming. Some cribs come with a mesh wall that zips down and can be placed in the mattress to provide additional security. This reduces the chance of duvets or blankets falling on your baby. The SnuzPod 4 for example is a ventilatory fabric that improves airflow, which reduces the risk of the suffocation risk.
Most cribs can be attached to your bed or mattress by using straps. But, it is important to check that the straps included with the crib will fit the bed frame. This is particularly important if you own a divan-style bed. Some cribs can be folded and can be stored when not in use which makes them a great option for travel.
The best cribs are designed with practicality in mind and are often adored by mothers who have had c-section births because it makes it easier for them to reach their baby without needing to get out of bed in the recovery. Some cribs can even be used by themselves, which means you can move them around the room as required, enabling you to keep your baby close throughout the day too, encouraging bonding and socialization. These cribs are also a great option for helping your baby to be more independent. They will be able to sleep on their own and develop an established routine.
Space
The bedside crib travel crib offers a practical and safe way to co-sleep, allowing you to see and reach your baby easily without having to step out of your bed. Some cribs also have incline settings that can help with congestion and reflux and others have practical under-seat storage for wipes as well as muslin squares. Always choose a mattress specifically made for your crib. Mattresses that are second-hand may be too flat or worn-out, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs can be used by mothers recovering from a C section. They can also be used while laying down. They can assist your baby learn to sleep in their crib by themselves and help them develop independence. The separation they create between their bed and yours reduces the risk of suffocation.
There are a myriad of options, from budget-friendly models to high-end ones. Some cribs are a bit more compact and can be folded to be stored away, while others come with a travel bag that allows you to take them out on weekends. Think about the size of your bedroom and whether the crib will be able to fit. Your baby may be older than you anticipated so don't purchase too small.
If you're looking for a crib that's easier to assemble, the Cozee XL is one of the most simple cribs to build during MFM tests. It also has a smart oak base. It comes with an anti-reflux feature and a side panel that opens and is easy to clean. It's suitable for most bed frames but you might be unable to install it when you have a divan.
Chicco's bedside crib is stylish and comes with the mattress, a carrying bag and a stylish design. It features an innovative design that features an open bottom that allows for more airflow. It also features an adjustable height to accommodate your growing child. It is also easy to clean, and it comes with a handy under-seat storage area for nappies and wipes.