Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep safely with your baby without the danger of overheating or suffocation. Designed to attach to the side of your bed, they're especially beneficial for mothers of c-sections who find getting out of bed painful.
MFM home test 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 also folds flat and slots into a handy travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib is an innovative crib that seamlessly connects with the parents bed to provide a comfortable method for parents to take care of their baby during the night. This crib allows parents to easily reach their child so that they can comfort or feed them without having to leave the bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who are new and may suffer from sleep deprivation in the beginning of their pregnancy. It promotes healthy growth for the baby by creating an environment that is safe and comfortable.
A high-quality bedside cot crib should have an extremely strong connection and a non-slip design for the foot of the bed which reduces the chance of accidents which could potentially cause harm to your baby. They also have to meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure that your child is safe and secure while they're asleep. Make sure that the mattress that comes in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, check for any gaps or holes that could increase your child's risk of suffocation.
Also, you should avoid using pillows, duvets, 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 be safe. It is also important to ensure that any toy your baby plays with in the crib is securely secured and does not protrude out too far.
Ask other parents for their advice in case you are uncertain about a piece of equipment. Also, search for items that are brand modern and meet the current safety standards instead of ones that were passed down or used. Make sure the crib is free of damage prior to purchasing it.
Another option is to invest in a bassinet, which is similar to a cot, but usually is attached to your bed and does not have legs. These are ideal for newborns and are especially great if you're recovering from a C-section, since they're a great way to keep your baby close close to you throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close by throughout the night. Ideal for feeding at midnight or heartfelt cuddles, as well as check-ups on your comfort while you're cozy in your bed, this crib is loaded with features to help you bond and soothe your newborn. It is easy to raise or lower the side rail of the crib using only one hand, to help soothe and comfort your child or for safe sleep monitoring. It also has a gentle rocking mode and an incline function to help relieve symptoms of reflux, such as indigestion or tummy pain.
It has a large storage space beneath the crib that is ideal for blankets or nappies. It's also designed to fit divan beds, so you won't have to worry about your frame. Gulhan Arapoglu stated that it was a good size, sturdy, and easy to move from room to room. She adds that it's heavier than other cribs for bed however this is 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 mattress that is firm. This reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood of suffocation. A firm mattress will also be healthier for your baby's wellbeing, as it is more comfortable and helps to promote healthy spinal development.
You can buy a crib mattress on its own, but we recommend investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your child will get the best quality sleep possible. Check that the mattress meets British safety standards and is the right size for your child.
It's worth looking around for the best price in case you're thinking about buying a bedside crib. Black Friday is a great opportunity to purchase these cribs for a price that is lower. Be sure to purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are secure and meet the safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet to your bed. best bedside cots cots4tots for keeping your newborn close to you so that you can easily reach them for evening feedings or help them go back to sleep during nap times. They are also ideal for mothers who have had c-sections but find it hard to get up at the middle of the night to look after their baby.
There's a broad range of styles to pick from, but some of the features you should look out for include:
Can it be cleaned by machine or do you need an unwashable mattress cover? How big is the mattress and can it be lowered or raised lowered to accommodate your bed? What's the weight and is it easy to move around your home, particularly in the event that you plan to use it in more than one room at a time?
Mum tester Jasmine particularly liked the fact that this crib is able to swivel, making it easier to reach in and out of to take her baby. She also liked the size of the crib, saying it's not as big as a standard crib, but is bigger than typical Moses baskets and is a comfortable crib for babies. It's also simple to put together and folds flat for easy transport. It was quite heavy for some mums, which could be a problem 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 or Moses Basket category. This crib is distinct from other cribs for beds in that it doesn't come with drop-down panels, but instead an adjustable side that can be lowered to make it easier for baby to reach. It's not quite as compact as other bedside cribs, but it's still transportable and comes with an included travel bag.
Some cribs can be transformed to a toddler cot or a cot by using an expansion kit. This can be a useful feature for families who are looking to extend the lifespan of their baby's sleeping space well beyond the newborn stage, but it's not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use are those that are close 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. It is easy to fold or zip the sides so you can reach them in the dark. They should also be breathable to give you a comfortable sleep. Most will come with a bed, which is ideal as you don't want it too soft or lumpy.
The cost of the more complicated models will likely be higher. Be sure to consider whether the crib will work with your bed or not. Some cribs are only compatible with a particular type of divan base, which can be an issue if you have a bed that is more unique.
The Next2me Magic crib, that is popular with parents who own a divan, is a great choice for those who already have one. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Award in the category of Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. Our mums who have tested it have given it the positive review, saying that it's well-constructed with mesh sides that you can see baby's face through. It also has a convenient storage shelf for nappies and blankets, and is relatively lightweight at 10kg.
Another good alternative is the SnuzPod4, available in a variety of colours and our moms have been extremely pleased with it too. They love the fact that it's slim and elegant, yet still offers ample space for their baby to rest comfortably. And they are enthralled by the extra features, including incline options to help with reflux and an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be purchased at PS99 or less, which makes them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you're looking to cut costs on your initial investment. Always follow safe sleeping guidelines and make sure the crib you choose is safe.