Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without risk of overheating or suffocation. The cribs are designed to attach to the side of your bed, they're useful for mothers who are unable to get out of bed a challenge.
MFM home tester Emily found this crib easy to assemble, and she loved the mesh windows for breathability and baby visibility. It also folds flat and slots into a handy travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib is a unique crib that is seamlessly connected to the parents' bed to provide a comfortable method for them to take care of their baby at 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 useful for new parents suffering from sleep deprivation in the early months. It also helps to promote the growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.
A top-quality bedside crib will have a solid connection and an anti-slip design on the foot of the bed. This reduces the risk of accidents that could hurt your baby. The cribs also have safety standards such as BS EN 1130, which assures your baby is safe and secure when they sleep. Check that the mattress that comes in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, look for any holes or gaps that could increase your child's risk of suffocation.
You should also avoid using duvets, pillows, or baby bumpers in your child's crib unless they are designed specifically to be used with a crib or cot because they could be danger and not be safe. You should also ensure that any playthings your child uses in the crib is securely secured and does not protrude out too far.
Ask other parents for advice in case you are uncertain about a piece of equipment. Also, search for products that are modern and meet current safety standards rather than those that were handed down or second-hand. If you're going to buy an older crib, make sure you check it thoroughly for damages and ensure that all parts are there before purchasing it.
A bassinet is an alternative. It is similar to a crib but is usually fixed to your bed. It doesn't have legs. They are ideal for babies, and are great if you are recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Keep your baby close to you at night with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. This clever crib has many features that will aid you in bonding with your newborn and calm them. It is perfect for midnight feedings cuddles, cuddles, and comfort check-ups. Simply raise or lower the side rail of the crib using one hand to soothe your baby or for secure monitoring of sleep. It has a gentle rocking function and an incline function to help relieve symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
It has a large storage area underneath the crib, ideal for nappies and blankets. It's designed to be compatible with divan beds (check the specifications for specific ones that may require longer straps), so you don't have to fret about the frame of your bed. Gulhan Arapoglu said that it was an ideal size, strong, and easy to move from room room. She also said that it's a bit heavier than other bedside crib travel cot 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 its mattress that is firm. Mattresses with soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS, which is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm will be more beneficial for your baby's health, since it is more comfortable and encourages healthy spinal development.
You can purchase a crib mattress on its own however we suggest buying a high-end model to ensure that your baby will get the best quality sleep possible. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and that it's an appropriate size for your baby.
If you're considering buying a bedside cot crib, it's worth doing some careful shopping around 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. Remember that you should always buy cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are secure and meet the safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is an attached bassinet that you can place next to your bed. These cribs are ideal for keeping your baby close enough to reach them easily during night feedings and soothe them back to sleep during nap time. They're also great for mothers who have had c-sections and find it hard to get up in the middle night to care for their newborn.
There's a variety of different styles to choose from, but some features that you might like to look out for include:
How easy it is to keep it clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is an easy-to-clean mattress cover essential? How big is the bed and can you raise or lower it to make it more suitable? What's the weight and is it easy to move around your home, especially in the event that you plan to use it in more than one room at a time?
Jasmine who was a mom test subject, was pleased that the crib swivels. This made it easier for her to reach into and out of it to pick up her baby. She also appreciated the size, saying that it is not as big as a standard crib for babies, but it is larger than the standard Moses baskets. It is also comfortable for her infant. It's also easy to build and folds flat, which makes it easy to transport. It was somewhat heavy for some mothers and could be an issue for those who have mobility issues.
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 doesn't have a drop-down panel however it does have an adjustable side you can lower to reach your baby. It's not quite as compact as other bedside cot newborn cribs when dismantled, but it's still mobile and comes with an included travel bag.
Some cribs can be converted into a cot or toddler using an expansion kit. This is a great option for families looking to extend the lifespan of their baby's sleeping space far beyond the newborn stage, but it's not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside cots for newborns use are those that sit close to your bed so that you can look after your baby, change nappys at night and feed your baby without getting up from your bed. You can fold or zip the sides down so you can access them in the dark. They should also be breathable to provide comfort. Most will come with an upholstered bed, which is ideal because you don't want it too hard or clumpy.
You must also consider how easy it is to build - some cribs are more simple than others, and the more complicated models likely costing more. Take into consideration whether the crib will fit your bed or not. Some cribs are only suitable for the specific divan base. This could be a problem if you have a bed frame that is unique.
The Next2me Magic crib which is popular with those who own a divan, is a great option for those who already own one. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Award in the category of the 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 also comes with a useful storage shelf to store nappies and blankets and is surprisingly light at 10kg.
Another alternative is the SnuzPod4, which comes in a range of colours and our mothers have been very pleased with it too. They like the fact that it's slim and elegant, yet still offers ample space for their baby to rest comfortably. And they appreciate the additional features, such as the ability to tilt to aid in reflux and the soothing rocking mechanism.
Both these cribs are available for PS99 or less and are an affordable alternative to a Moses basket when you're looking to save money on an initial purchase. Always remember to follow safe sleep guidance however, and ensure that the crib you purchase meets the Lullaby Trust code for safety.