Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep safely with your baby without risk of suffocation or overheating. Designed to attach to 4-in-1 bedside crib of your bed, they're especially useful for mothers who are unable to get out of bed a challenge.
MFM home tester Emily found this bedside crib simple to put together and she loved the mesh windows to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It can be folded flat and stored in a convenient travel bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is a unique crib that is able to connect seamlessly to the parents' beds, giving parents with a convenient method to take care of their baby during the night. This crib allows them to reach their baby with ease so they can feed or comfort them without leaving the bed, which is beneficial for parents who may be suffering from sleep apnea during those first few months. It also assists in encouraging the growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.
A high-quality bedside cot crib will have an extremely strong connection and a non-slip design for the foot of the bed which reduces the risk of accidents that could result in harm to your baby. They also meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130, which ensures your baby is safe and secure while they sleep. Make sure the mattress you have in your crib is firm and not squishy. Also, check for any gaps or holes that could increase your child's risk of suffocation.
Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers for your baby's crib in the event that they were not intended to be used in conjunction with a crib. They can pose an extremely risk to safety, and may not meet the safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any playthings your child uses in the crib is securely secured and does not extend too far.
If you're not sure about a certain piece of equipment, you can always ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for suggestions and choose a crib that is brand new and meets current safety standards, instead of secondhand or hand-me-downs. If you're planning to purchase a used crib, examine it thoroughly for any damage and ensure all the parts are there before purchasing it.
Another option is to invest in a bassinet, which is similar to a cot, but usually is attached to your bed and doesn't have legs. They're great for newborns and are especially great if you're recovering from a C section, since they're a great method to keep your baby close close to you at all times.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close by during the night. Perfect for midnight feeds as well as heartfelt cuddles and check-ups on your comfort while you're snug in your bed, this smart crib comes with features that help you bond and soothe your baby. Simply raise or lower the side rail of the crib with one hand to soothe your baby or for safe sleep monitoring. It also features a soft rocking mode and an incline function to help relieve symptoms of reflux, like stomach pain or indigestion.
It comes with a huge storage area beneath the crib, perfect for blankets and nappies. It's also designed to work with divan beds (check the specs as some may require longer straps) and you don't need to worry about your bed frame. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, sturdy and easy to move from room to room. She also noted that it is a little heavier than other cribs for bed, but this is due to the additional features, such as a rocking mode or reflux incline.
One of the most important things to look for in a crib is a firm mattress. This helps reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as soft mattresses increase the chance of suffocation. A firm mattress is also better for your baby since it's more comfortable and supports healthy growth of the spine.
You can buy a crib mattress on its own however we recommend investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your child gets the best rest possible. Check that the crib mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and is a suitable size for your baby.
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib, it's worth doing an extensive search to ensure that you're getting the best deal. Utilizing Black Friday sales is a excellent option to save money on these useful cribs. It's best to buy a crib directly from the manufacturer directly so that you can be certain of its quality and ensure that it meets the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that attaches to the bed's side. They're perfect to keep your baby close to you so you can easily reach them during night feedings or help them go back to sleep during nap times. They're also a blessing for mothers recovering from c-section births, who may be unable to get out of bed to look after their baby during the night.
There are many different styles available but you should look for the following qualities:
Can it be cleaned with a machine or does it require an easy-to-clean mattress cover? What is the size of the mattress and can it be raised or lowered to fit your bed? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?
Mum tester Jasmine particularly liked the fact that this crib can swivel, which made it easier to reach into and out of to pick up her baby. She also liked the size of the crib and said it's not as large as a traditional crib, but it's bigger than typical Moses baskets and is a comfortable crib for babies. It's also easy to put together and it folds flat, making it easy to move. It was somewhat heavy for some mums who were carrying it around, which could be an issue for those who have mobility issues.
Another alternative to consider is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. This is different from other bedside cribs in that it doesn't come with a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that can be lower to make it easier for baby to reach. It's not quite as compact as other cribs when dismantled, but it is still mobile and comes with an included travel bag.
Some cribs can be transformed into a toddler or cot with the help of an expansion kit. This feature is useful for families looking to expand their baby's sleeping space beyond the newborn stage. However, it's not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use are those that sit next to your bed to let you watch your baby, change nappys 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, to allow you to reach over in the dark to grab them and they'll be breathable to ensure comfort. The majority will have a bed, which is ideal because you do not want it to be too hard or clumpy.
The cost of the more complicated models will be more expensive. Take into consideration whether the crib is suitable for your bed or not. Some cribs are only compatible with a specific type of divan base, and this could be a problem if have a bed that is more unique.
The Next2me Magic crib which is a favorite among those who have a divan is a great option for those who already have one. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Award in the category of the Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-made, with high mesh sides that let you see the baby's face. Our mum testers liked it and gave it a thumbs-up. It also comes with a handy storage shelf for nappies and blankets, and is relatively lightweight at 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is another option. It comes in a variety of colors, and our mothers enjoy it. The SnuzPod4 is a slim, sleek option that still offers plenty of space for babies to relax comfortably. Our mothers also love the features such as incline options that aid in reflux, as well as a relaxing, rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be purchased for PS99 or less, which makes them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you are trying to save money on your initial investment. Always follow safe sleeping guidelines and make sure the crib you pick is safe.