Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside crib allows you to safely co-sleep with your baby without the risk of overheating or even death by suffocation. These cribs can be attached to the bedside and are especially useful for c-section mothers who have difficulty to get out of bed.
MFM home test Emily found this crib to be easy to put together, and loved the mesh windows to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It folds flat, and fits into an ideal travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib is a unique crib that connects seamlessly to the parents' bed to provide a convenient method for them to take care of their baby during the night. The crib lets parents easily reach their child so that they can soothe or feed them while they are in bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are new and may suffer from sleep deprivation in the first few months. It also helps to promote a healthy growth of the baby by providing a secure and comfortable sleep environment.
A good quality bedside crib will have a an extremely strong connection and a non-slip design for the foot of the bed which reduces the chance of accidents that could cause injury to your baby. They also meet safety standards like BS EN 1130:2019, which helps to ensure your baby is safe and secure when they are asleep. You should also ensure the mattress that comes with your crib is firm instead of soft, and look for any gaps that could increase your child's risk of suffocation or entrapment.
It is also recommended to avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers in your baby's crib unless they are designed specifically to be used in conjunction with a cot or a crib because they could be a serious hazard and may not meet safety standards. You should also ensure that any playthings your child plays with in the crib is securely attached and doesn't extend too far.
If you're unsure about a particular piece of equipment, you can ask other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for advice and look for a product that is brand new and complies with current safety standards, not second-hand or hand-me-downs. Make sure the crib is free of damage prior to purchasing it.
Another alternative is to purchase a bassinet, which is similar to a cot, but typically fixes to your bed and does not have legs. These are perfect for newborns and are a great option when 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 by throughout the night. Perfect for midnight feeds, heartfelt cuddles and comfort checks while you are cosy in your own bed, this crib is loaded with features to aid in bonding and soothing your newborn. It is easy to raise or lower the side rail of the crib with just one hand, to help soothe and comfort your child, or for safe sleep monitoring. It comes with an easy rocking feature and an incline function to help relieve symptoms such as indigestion and stomach pain.
It has a huge storage space underneath the crib that is ideal for nappies and blankets. It's designed to fit divan beds, so you won't have to worry about your frame. Gulhan Arapoglu claimed that it was an ideal size, strong and easy to move from room room. She added that it's a little heavier than other cribs for bed but that's because of the additional features like a rocking mode and reflux upwards.
Firm mattresses are among the most important features to look for when selecting the crib. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS, which is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm will be better for your baby, as it is more comfortable and encourages healthy spinal development.
You can purchase an individual crib mattress however we recommend purchasing a top quality model to ensure that your child will get the best quality sleep possible. Check that the crib mattress meets British safety standards and is the right size for your baby.
If you're considering purchasing a bedside crib it's a good idea to do some careful shopping around to ensure that you're getting the best price. Black Friday is a great occasion to buy cribs at a bargain. It's best to buy a crib directly from the manufacturer directly, so you can be sure of its high-quality and that it meets the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that is attached to the sides of your bed. These cribs are ideal for keeping your baby close so that you can reach them easily during evening feedings and help them back into sleep during nap time. They're also great for mothers who have had csections and find it hard to get up in the middle night to take care of their baby.
There are a variety of styles to choose from however, you should search 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 required? What size is the mattress and can it be raised or adjusted to fit your bed? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?
Mum tester Jasmine particularly loved the fact that the crib can swivel, which made it easier to reach into and out of to take her baby. She also appreciated the size of it, saying it's not as big as a full-sized crib but it's bigger than typical Moses baskets and is a comfortable crib for babies. It's also easy to build and folds flat, which makes it easy to carry. It was a bit heavy for some mothers who were carrying it around, which could be an issue for those with mobility problems.
Another alternative to consider is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. This crib is distinct 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 as compact when dismantled like other cribs however it's quite mobile and comes with a bag that makes it easy to store.
Other cribs are designed to convert into a toddler bed or cot with an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families looking to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the baby stage. However, it's not always needed.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use are those that are near your bed, so that you can look after your baby, change diapers at night, and feed your baby without having to get up from your bed. You can fold or close the sides so that you can grab them in the dark. They should also be breathable to give you a comfortable sleep. A lot of them will have mattresses, which is important because you want it to be a bit firm and flat rather than soft or lumpy.
The price of more complicated models will likely be higher. Be sure to consider whether the crib will fit your bed or not. Some may only work with a specific type of divan base, which could be an issue if you have a more unusual bedframe.
The Next2me Magic crib that is popular with parents who own a divan, is a great option for those who already own one. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-made and has a high mesh side that let you see the baby's face. cots4tots liked it and gave it a thumbs-up. It has a shelf for nappies or blankets and weighs only 10kg.
Another alternative is the SnuzPod4, which comes in a variety of colours and our mothers have been really positive about it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim, sleek option that still offers plenty of space for babies to relax comfortably. Our mums also love the features such as incline options, which help with reflux, and a soothing, rocking mechanism.
Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less and are an affordable alternative to a Moses basket if you're looking to save money on an initial purchase. Always follow the safe sleeping guidelines and make sure the crib you pick is safe.