Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without the danger of overheating or suffocation. The cribs are designed to attach to the side of your bed, they're especially beneficial for mothers of c-sections who find getting out of bed difficult.
MFM home tester Emily found this bedside cot reviews crib easy to assemble, and she loved the mesh windows to allow for airflow and visibility for babies. It folds flat and put into an easy-to-travel bag.
Safety
A bedside cot crib is an innovative crib that is seamlessly connected to the parents bed to provide a convenient method for them to take care of their baby bedside crib at night. This crib allows them to reach their baby with ease so they can feed or comfort them without leaving the bed. This is useful for new parents who may be suffering from sleep deprivation in the early years. It promotes healthy growth in the infant by providing a safe and comfortable environment.
A high-quality bedside cot crib will have solid connections and an anti-slip design for the mattress's foot, which helps to reduce the risk of accidents that could potentially cause harm to your baby. The cribs also have safety standards such as BS EN 1130, which ensures that your baby is secure and safe while they sleep. Check that the mattress you have in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, look for any holes or gaps that could increase your child's risk of suffocation.
Avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers for your baby's crib unless they were made to be used in conjunction with a crib. They can be an extremely risk to safety, and may not be up to the required safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any toys your baby utilizes in the crib are securely attached and does not extend too far.
If you're not sure about a particular 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 brand new and meets current safety standards, not second-hand or used cribs. If you're planning to purchase an older crib, make sure you examine it thoroughly for any damage and make sure all the parts are there prior to purchasing it.
Another alternative is to purchase the bassinet, which is like a cot, but typically fixes to your bed and doesn't have legs. These are ideal for newborns and are especially great when you're recovering from a C-section as they're a perfect option to keep your baby close by your side at all times.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close during the night. This innovative crib comes with a variety of features that will aid you in bonding with your newborn and soothe them. It is ideal 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 soothe your infant or to provide secure sleep monitoring. It also features a soft rocking mode and incline function to ease the symptoms of reflux, including stomach pain or indigestion.
It comes with a huge storage space underneath the crib, ideal for nappies and blankets. It's designed to fit divan beds so you don't have to worry about the frame. Gulhan Arapoglu stated that it was an adequate size, durable and easy to move from room room. She also said it's a bit heavier than other cribs for bed but that's because of the extra features such as a rocking mode and reflux incline.
Firm mattresses are among the most important things to look out for when choosing a crib. This reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) since mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of being suffocated. A mattress that is firm will be better for your baby, as it is more comfortable and promotes healthy spinal development.
You can buy a crib mattress separately. We recommend that you invest in an excellent mattress to ensure your baby gets the best sleep possible. Verify that the mattress meets British safety standards and is an appropriate size for your baby.
If you're considering buying a bedside cot crib, it's worth doing an extensive search to ensure you're getting the best deal. Making use of Black Friday sales is a great method to save on these cribs. But remember that it's ideal to purchase a crib from the manufacturer directly so you are certain of its high-quality and that it meets the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed. These cribs are great to keep your baby close so that you can reach them easily during evening feedings and help them back into sleep during nap time. They are also ideal for mothers who have had c-sections but find it hard to get up in the middle of the night to look after their infant.
There's a broad range of different styles to choose from, but some characteristics that you might like to be looking for are:
How easy is it to keep it clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is an easy-to-clean mattress cover required? How big is the mattress and can it be raised or adjusted to accommodate your bed? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?
Jasmine as a mother tester, liked that the crib swivels. This made it easier for her to reach in and out of it to take her baby. She also liked the size, saying that it's not as large as a full-sized baby crib but it's larger than standard Moses baskets. It's also a comfortable fit for her baby. It is also easy to put together and folds flat for easy transport. Some mums found it a little heavy, however, and this may be an issue for those with 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 bedside or Crib. This crib is distinct from others in that it doesn't include a drop-down panel, but instead has an adjustable side you can lower so that you can reach your baby. It's not quite as compact as other bedside cribs when dismantled, but it is still portable and comes with an included travel bag.
Other cribs are designed to transform into a toddler bed or cot using an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families who wish to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the newborn stage. However, it's not always required.
Budget
The best bedside cribs can be placed right next to your bed, which means you can watch your baby and take care of the needs of feeding and changing nappies without getting out of bed. They'll usually have sides that fold or zip down easily to allow you to reach over in the dark to pick them up, and they should also be breathable to ensure comfort. Most will come with an upholstered bed, which is ideal since you don't want it to be too soft or lumpy.
The cost of more complex models will likely be more expensive. Finally, consider whether the crib was designed to be a perfect fit for your bed or not. Some cribs are only compatible with a specific kind of divan base, and this could be a problem if have a unique bed frame.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great choice for those with a divan bed, and was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for The Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's well-made, with high mesh sides that 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.
Another alternative is the SnuzPod4, which is available in a variety of colors and our mothers have been extremely pleased with it too. They like the simplicity of it, and how it's elegant, yet still offers plenty of space for baby to rest comfortably. And they love the additional features, such as the ability to tilt to aid in reflux, as well as an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less, which makes them a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket if you're trying to save money on your initial purchase. Always remember to follow safe sleep guidance though, and check that the crib you purchase is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.