Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside crib allows you to safely co-sleep with your newborn without risking overheating or suffocation. It is designed to be attached to the sides of your bed, they're particularly useful for mothers who are finding getting out of bed a challenge.
Emily is an MFM home tester Emily, a home tester for MFM, found the crib to be easy to assemble and liked the mesh windows that allow for airflow and better visibility for babies. It can be folded flat and stored in bags for travel.
Safety
A bedside cot crib is an innovative crib that connects seamlessly to the parents bed to provide a convenient way for them to take care of their baby during the night. This crib allows parents to easily reach their baby so that they can comfort or feed them without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who suffer from sleep deprivation in the first few months. It also aids in promoting the growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable environment for sleeping.
A high-quality bedside crib will have a solid connections and an anti-slip design for the bed's foot which reduces the chance of accidents that could result in harm to your baby. They also meet safety standards like BS EN 1130, which ensures that your baby is safe and secure when they sleep. Make sure the mattress in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, check for any holes or gaps that could increase the risk of suffocation.
You should also be wary of using duvets, pillows, or baby bumpers in your child's crib unless they're made specifically to be used with a crib or cot as they could pose a serious hazard and may not meet safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any toy your baby uses in the crib is securely secured and does not protrude out too far.
If you're unsure about a certain piece of equipment, you can always ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for suggestions, and make sure you choose a crib that is brand new and complies with current safety standards, rather than secondhand or hand-me-downs. Make sure the crib is free of damage before buying it.
small bedside cot is another option. It is similar to a crib, but it is typically attached to your bed. It doesn't have legs. They are great for newborns, and are great for those recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close at night. This clever crib has many features that help you bond with your newborn and calm them. It is ideal for midnight feedings as well as cuddles and comfort check-ups. It is easy to raise or lower the side rail of the crib with just one hand, to calm and comfort your child or for a safe way to monitor sleep. It has a gentle rocking function and an incline function to alleviate symptoms such as indigestion and stomach pain.
It comes with a huge storage space underneath the crib that's perfect for nappies or blankets. It's designed to be used with divan beds (check the specs for specific ones that may require straps that are longer) So you don't have to fret about your bed frame. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, sturdy and easy to move around from room to room. She also noted that it's a bit heavier than other cribs for beds however this is because of the additional features such as the rocking mode and reflux incline.
One of the most important factors to look for in a crib is its firm mattress. Mattresses with soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm is an ideal choice for your baby as it's more comfortable and supports healthy growth of the spine.
You can purchase a crib mattress on its own. However, we recommend that you invest in the best quality mattress to ensure your baby gets the best sleep possible. Verify that the mattress meets British safety standards and is the right size for your baby.
If you're considering purchasing a cot bed for your bed it's worth doing some careful shopping around to ensure you're getting the best price. Utilizing Black Friday sales is a fantastic method to save on these cribs. Remember that you should always buy cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are safe and meet the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet to your bed. These cribs are ideal to keep your baby close so that you can reach them easily during evening feedings and help them back into sleep during nap time. These are also great for mums who have had csections and are unable to get up at the middle of the night to look after their newborn.
There are many different styles to choose from but you should look for the following features:
How easy is it to keep clean - can it be cleaned by hand or is a machine washable mattress cover a must? How big is the bed and can you raise or lower it to make it more suitable? What is the weight and is it easy to move around your home, particularly when you intend to use it in more than one room at the same time?
Jasmine who was a mom tester, liked that the crib swivels. This made it easier for her to reach in and out of it to take her baby. She also appreciated the size, saying that it is not as big as a traditional crib but it is larger than standard Moses baskets. It's also comfortable for her infant. It's also simple to put together and folds flat for easy transportation. It was quite heavy for some mums, which could be an issue for those with mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you can think about. It was awarded 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 a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that can be lower to allow baby to get closer. It's not as compact like other cribs however, it's still lightweight and comes with a travel bag that makes it easy to store.
Some cribs can convert into a toddler bed or cot with an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families who want to expand their baby's sleeping space beyond the infant stage. However, it is not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for your bed are those that are near your bed, to let you watch your baby, change diapers 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 grab them in the dark. They should also be breathable in order to offer comfort. The majority will have an upholstered bed, which is ideal as you don't want it to be too soft or lumpy.
The cost of more complex models will likely be more expensive. Also, think about whether the crib is designed to fit your bed or not. Certain cribs can only be fitted to a certain type of divan base. This could be a problem if you have a bedframe that is more unique.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great option for those who have a divan bed, and was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-constructed and has a high mesh side that let you see the baby's face. Our mom testers liked it and gave it a thumbs-up. It comes with a shelf to store nappies or blankets, and weighs just 10kg.
Another good option is the SnuzPod4, which comes in a variety of colors and our moms have been very pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is slim, elegant option that offers plenty of space for babies to rest comfortably. Our moms are also awed by features like incline options that aid in reflux, and a soothing, rocking mechanism.
Both these cribs are available for PS99 or less which makes them a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket when you're trying to save money on your initial investment. It is important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping but also ensure whether the crib you purchase meets the Lullaby Trust code for safety.