Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside cot crib allows you to safely co-sleep with your newborn without putting your baby at risk of overheating or suffocation. Designed to attach to the sides of your bed, they're particularly helpful for c-section mums who are finding getting out of bed a challenge.
MFM home test Emily found this crib easy to assemble, and loved the mesh window to allow for airflow and visibility for babies. It folds flat and stowed into bags for travel.
Safety
A bedside crib is an innovative crib that connects seamlessly to the parents' bed to provide a comfortable method for them to take care of their infant at night. The crib lets parents reach their baby with ease so they can feed or comfort them without leaving bed, which is very helpful for new parents who suffer from sleep apnea during those early years. It promotes healthy growth for the baby by creating an environment that is safe and secure.
A good quality bedside cot crib should have a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the mattress's foot that reduces the chance of accidents which could result in harm to your baby. These cribs will also meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130, which ensures that your baby is secure and protected when they sleep. Make sure the mattress in your crib is firm and not squishy. Also, look for any gaps or holes that could increase the danger of suffocation.
Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers for your baby's crib unless they were made to be used with a crib. They can pose a serious safety hazard and may not meet the required safety standards. Also, make sure that any toys your baby plays with in the crib is securely attached and does not extend too far.
If you're uncertain about a particular piece of equipment, ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for help, and make sure you choose a crib that is brand new and complies with current safety standards, rather than secondhand or hand-me-downs. Examine the crib for any damage before buying it.
Another alternative is to purchase an infant bassinet. It's similar to a cot, but typically fixes to your bed and doesn't have legs. These are ideal for newborns and are particularly beneficial when you're recovering from a C section, as they're a perfect way to keep your baby close and close to you throughout the day.
Size
Keep baby close to you during the night with the Sweet2Sleep bedside crib. Perfect for midnight feeds, heartfelt cuddles and check-ups on your comfort while you're snug in your bed, this crib comes with features that aid in bonding and soothing your newborn. You can easily raise or lower the crib's side rail with just one hand to help soothe and comfort your child, or for safe sleep monitoring. It has a gentle rocking function and an incline feature that can help relieve symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
It has a large storage space beneath the crib, perfect for blankets and nappies. It's designed to fit divan beds, so you won't have to worry about the frame. One of our mum 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 but that's due to the extra features such as the rocking mode and the reflux incline.
One of the most important things to look for in a crib is its firm mattress. Soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress is also a healthier choice for your baby since it is more comfortable and helps support healthy growth of the spine.
You can purchase a crib mattress on its own, but we recommend investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your baby will get the best quality sleep possible. Check that the crib mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and that it's an appropriate size for your baby.
If you're thinking of buying a cot bed for your bed it's a good idea to do an extensive search to make sure you're getting the best deal. Black Friday is a great time to buy these cribs at a discount. It's best to buy 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 you can place next to your bed. These cribs are ideal for keeping your baby close enough that you can reach them easily for night feedings and soothe them back to sleep during nap time. They are also ideal for mums who have had csections and struggle to get up in the middle of the night to look after their baby.
There are many different styles to choose from however, you should search for the following qualities:
How easy is it to keep clean - can it be cleaned by hand or is an easy-to-clean mattress cover a must? What size is the mattress and can it be raised or adjusted to fit your bed? What's the weight and is it easy to move around your home, especially when you intend to use it in more than one room at one time?
Mum test subject Jasmine particularly loved the fact that the crib can swivel, which made it easier to reach in and out of to grab her baby. She also admired its size, saying it's not as big as a traditional crib, but it's larger than typical Moses baskets and is a comfortable crib for babies. It's also simple to put together and it folds flat, making it easy to move. Some moms complained that it was to be a bit heavy, however, and this may be an issue for those with mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you could think about. It won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. This is distinct from other cribs for beds in that it does not have an adjustable panel, but instead an adjustable side that you can lower to make it easier for baby to reach. It's not quite as compact as other cribs when dismantled, but it's still portable and comes with an included travel bag.
Other cribs are designed to transform into a toddler bed or cot by using an expansion kit. This is a great feature for families who are looking to extend the lifespan of their baby's bed well beyond the newborn stage, but it's not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for beds will sit right by your bed, which means you can keep an eye on baby and attend to feedings at night and changing nappy without getting out of your own bed. They'll usually have sides that fold or zip down easily so you can reach up in the dark to grab them, and they should also be breathable for comfort. bedside crib travel will have an upholstered bed, which is ideal since you do not want it to be too soft or lumpy.
You must also 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 was designed to fit your own bed or not. Some cribs are only suitable for a certain type of divan base. This could be a problem if you have a bed frame that is unique.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a good option for those who have divan beds, and was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Our mum testers have given it a positive review, saying that it's well-made with high-quality mesh sides that you can see baby's face through. It also comes with a handy storage shelf for nappies and blankets and is surprisingly light at 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is another option. It comes in many colors and our moms enjoy it. They appreciate the simplicity of it, and how it's sleek, but still provides ample space for their baby to rest comfortably. And they are enthralled by the extra features, such as incline options to help with reflux, as well as a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be purchased for PS99 or less, making them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you're trying to save money on the initial cost. You should always remember to follow safe sleep guidance however, and ensure that the crib you purchase meets the Lullaby Trust code for safety.