Bedside Cot Crib
bedside cot mattress cribs allow you to sleep safely with your baby without the risk of suffocation or overheating. The cribs are designed to attach to the sides of your bed, they're beneficial for mothers of c-sections who find getting out of bed a challenge.
Emily, a MFM home test participant Emily, a home tester for MFM, found the crib easy to put together and loved the mesh windows that allow for airflow and a clear view of the baby. It also folds flat, and fits into bags for travel.
Safety
A crib that is bedside rocking crib is a new crib that is able to connect seamlessly to the parents' beds, giving parents with a convenient method to care for their baby during the night. The crib lets parents easily reach their baby so that they can soothe or feed them without having to leave the bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who be suffering from sleep deprivation during the beginning of their pregnancy. It also assists in encouraging the growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.
A top-quality bedside cot wooden crib will have a solid connection and an anti-slip design on the foot of the bed. This helps reduce the risk of accidents that could harm your baby. They also meet safety standards like BS EN 1130, which ensures your baby is secure and protected when they sleep. Also, make sure the mattress that comes with your crib is firm instead of soft, and look for any gaps that could increase your baby's danger of suffocation or getting trapped.
You should also be wary of using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers in your child's crib unless they are designed specifically for use with a cot or crib because they could be a serious hazard and may not meet safety standards. You should also make sure that any toys or objects that your child plays with in the crib are securely secured, and that they do not protrude too far of the crib's edges.
If you're unsure about a piece of equipment, you can ask other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for help, and make sure you search for a product that is brand new and meets current safety standards, not secondhand or hand-me-downs. If you're planning to purchase a used crib, check it thoroughly for damage and make sure all the components are present before you buy it.
Another alternative is to buy a bassinet, which is like a cot, but typically fixes to your bed and does not have legs. These are perfect for newborns and are a great option if you are recovering from a c-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Keep baby close to you during the night with the Sweet2Sleep bedside crib. Perfect for midnight feeds as well as heartfelt cuddles and comfort checks while you stay snug in your bed, this crib is packed with features to help you bond with and soothe your newborn. It is easy to raise or lower the crib's side rail with just one hand to calm and comfort your child, or for safe sleep monitoring. It has soft rocking functions and an incline feature that can help relieve symptoms such as indigestion and stomach pain.
It has a huge storage area underneath the crib that is ideal for nappies and blankets. It's also designed to be used with divan beds (check the specs because some might 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, robust and easy to move around from room to room. She also said it's a little heavier than some bedside cribs however this is due to the additional features like an adjustable rocking mode as well as a reflux incline.
Mattresses that are firm are among the most important aspects to look out for when choosing the crib. This reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) since soft mattresses increase the chance of suffocation. A mattress that is firm is an ideal choice for your child as it is more comfortable and helps support healthy growth of the spine.
You can buy a crib mattress separately. However, we recommend that you purchase the best quality mattress to ensure your baby gets the best possible rest. Check that the crib mattress meets British safety standards and that it's the right size for your baby.
If you're considering purchasing a bedside cot crib it's worth doing some careful shopping around to ensure you're getting the best deal. Black Friday is a great time to buy cribs at a bargain. Remember that you should always purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are secure and meet the safety standards.
Style
A bedside cots crib is a bassinet that attaches to the sides of your bed. They're ideal to keep your newborn close to you so you can easily reach them for evening feedings or to soothe them to sleep during nap times. They're also a blessing for mothers recovering from c section births, who can be unable to get out of bed to look after their baby in the middle of the night.
There's a variety of styles you can pick from, but some characteristics you should look for are:
Can it be cleaned by machine or does it require an easy-to-clean mattress cover? What is the size of the mattress and can it be lowered or raised lower to fit your bed? How much does it weigh 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 the same time?
Mum test subject Jasmine particularly loved the fact that the crib swivels, which made it easier to reach in and out of to grab her baby. She also liked the size, stating that it's not as big as a traditional crib but it is larger than the standard Moses baskets. It's also a comfortable fit for her infant. It's also simple to put together and folds flat, which makes it easy to transport. It was quite heavy for some moms who were carrying it around, which could be an issue for those with mobility problems.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you can think about. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. The crib differs from others in that it does not have a drop down panel, but instead has an adjustable side you can lower to reach your baby. It's not as compact as other cribs for bed however it's quite mobile and comes with a travel cot bedside bag that makes it easy to store.
Some cribs can be converted into a toddler bed or cot using an expansion kit. This feature is useful for families who wish to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the baby stage. However, it's not always required.
Budget
The best bedside cribs are those that sit close to your bed so you can watch your baby, change diapers at night, and feed your baby without having to get up from your bed. They'll typically have sides that fold or zip down easily so you can reach up in the dark to pick them up and they'll also be breathable for comfort. Most will come with mattresses, which is crucial since you want it to be firm and flat rather than super-soft or clumpy.
It is also important to consider the ease of build - some cribs are simpler than others, with the more complex models costing more. Be sure to consider whether the crib is suitable for your bed or not. Some cribs may only work with a specific type of divan base, which could be a problem if have a unique bed frame.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a good choice for those with divan beds. It was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. Our mums who have tested it have given it a positive review, saying that it's well-made with high mesh sides, which you can see the baby's face through. It also has a convenient storage shelf to store nappies and blankets, and is relatively lightweight at 10kg.
Another option is the SnuzPod4, which comes in a range of colours and our moms have been very pleased with it too. They like the fact that it's slim and sleek, yet it offers ample space for their baby to rest comfortably. And they are enthralled by the extra features, like an incline option to aid with reflux, as well as a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be bought at PS99 or under, making them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you're looking to save on the initial cost of your purchase. It is important to follow safe sleep guidance however, and ensure whether the crib you purchase conforms to the Lullaby Trust code for safety.