Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside cot crib lets you to safely co-sleep with your newborn without the risk of overheating or even death by suffocation. These cribs are attached to the bedside and are useful for c-section mothers who are unable to get out of the bed.
MFM home tester Emily found this bedside crib simple to put together and she loved the mesh windows to allow for airflow and visibility for babies. It folds flat and can be put into a bags for travel.
Safety
A bedside co sleeper crib crib is an innovative crib which is able to connect seamlessly to the parents' beds, giving parents with a convenient method to take care of their infant at night. The crib lets parents easily reach their infant to comfort or feed them without leaving bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who suffer from sleep deprivation in the early months. It also assists in encouraging the growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable environment for sleeping.
A high-quality bedside crib will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design at the bottom of the bed. This helps reduce the chance of accidents that could harm your baby. The cribs also have safety standards like BS EN 1130, which ensures your baby is safe and secure when they sleep. Also, make sure the mattress you get with your crib is firm, not soft, and look for any gaps which could increase your baby's risk of suffocation or entrapment.
Avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers for your baby's crib, in the event that they were not intended to be used in conjunction in conjunction with a crib. They can be a serious safety hazard, and may not meet the required safety standards. You should also make sure that any toys or other items your baby plays with in the crib are securely secured to the crib and do not protrude too far of the crib's edges.
If you're unsure about a particular piece of equipment, you can always ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for help, and make sure you look for a product that is brand new and meets current safety standards, instead of second-hand or hand-me-downs. Make sure the crib is free of damage prior to purchasing it.
Another alternative is to buy the bassinet, which is like a cot, but generally, it is attached to your bed and does not have legs. These are perfect for newborns and are ideal if you are recovering from a c-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close at night. This innovative crib comes with a variety of features that can aid you in bonding with your newborn and calm them. It is perfect for nighttime feedings cuddles, cuddles, and comfort check-ups. You can easily raise or lower the crib's side rail with only one hand, to calm and comfort your child to monitor your child's sleep. It comes with soft rocking functions and an incline feature that can help relieve symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
It comes with a huge storage space underneath the crib, ideal for blankets and nappies. And it's designed to work with divan beds (check the specs for specific ones that may require straps that are longer), so you don't need to worry about the frame of your bed. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size and sturdy and easy to move around from room to room. She also noted that it's a little heavier than other cribs for bed, but this is because of the additional features such as the rocking mode and reflux incline.
Firm mattresses are among the most important things to look for when choosing a crib. This helps reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as soft mattresses increase the chance of suffocation. 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 buy a crib mattress on its own however we suggest investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your child gets the best rest possible. Verify that the mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and is a suitable size for your baby.
If you're considering purchasing a bedside cot crib it's a good idea to do some careful shopping around to ensure you're getting the best deal. Taking advantage of Black Friday sales is a great option to save money on these cribs. Make sure you purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are safe and meet the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that you can place next to your bed. They're perfect for keeping your newborn close to you so you can easily reach them for night feedings or soothe them back to sleep during nap times. These are 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 baby.
There are a variety of styles available, but you should look for the following features:
How easy it is to keep clean - can it be cleaned by hand or is an easy-to-clean mattress cover essential? How big is the mattress and can it be lowered or raised lower to accommodate your bed? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?
Jasmine, a mum tester, liked the crib's swivelling feature. This made it easier for her to reach in and out of it to pick up her baby. She also admired its size and said it's not as big as a traditional crib, but it's bigger than the standard Moses baskets and is a comfortable crib for babies. It's also easy to assemble and folds flat for easy transport. Some mothers found it to be to be a bit heavy, however, which could be a problem for those who have mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option to consider. It won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. This crib is different from other bedside cribs in that it doesn't have a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that can be lower to reach baby. It's not quite as compact as other cribs once dismantled, however it's still portable and comes with an included travel bag.
Some cribs can be converted into a toddler or cot using an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families looking to expand their baby's sleeping space beyond the newborn stage. However, it is not always required.
Budget
The best bedside sleeper cot cribs will sit right by your bed, which means you can watch baby and tend to the needs of feeding and changing nappies without having to get out of bed. You can easily fold or zip the sides so you can grab them in the dark. They must also be breathable to provide comfort. The majority will have a bed, which is ideal as you don't want it to be too soft or lumpy.
It is also important to consider how easy it is to put together - some cribs are simpler than others, with the more complicated models likely costing more. Consider whether the crib will work with your bed or not. Some cribs are only compatible with a particular type of divan base, which could be an issue if you have a more unusual bedframe.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great choice for those with divan beds, and was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the The best bedside cot for newborn Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's well-constructed, 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 for nappies or blankets and weighs just 10kg.
Another good alternative is the SnuzPod4, available in a range of colours and our moms have been really positive about it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim and elegant option that offers plenty of room for baby to sleep comfortably. Our mums are also awed by features such as incline options, which help with reflux, and a soothing, rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be purchased at PS99 or less, making them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you are looking to save on the initial cost. Always remember to adhere to the safe sleep guidelines however, and ensure that the crib you buy is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.