Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside crib allows you to sleep comfortably with your baby without the risk of overheating or even the risk of suffocation. Designed to attach to the side of your bed, they're especially helpful for c-section mums who are finding getting out of bed difficult.
Emily is an MFM home tester, found the bedside crib to be easy to put together. She also liked the mesh windows that allow for airflow and better visibility for babies. It folds flat and slots into an ideal travel bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is a unique crib that is able to connect seamlessly to the parents' beds, giving them a convenient way to take care of their infant at night. The crib allows parents to easily reach their baby to comfort or feed them while they are in 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 good quality bedside crib will have a solid connections and an anti-slip design for the foot of the bed that reduces the chance of accidents that could result in harm to your baby. They also meet safety standards, such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure that your child is secure and safe when they sleep. Make sure the mattress that comes in your crib is firm and not squishy. Also, check for any gaps or holes that could increase your child's danger of suffocation.
Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers to 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.
Ask other parents for advice when you're not sure about specific pieces of equipment. Also, search for items that are brand modern and meet current safety standards, not those that were passed down or second-hand. If you're planning to purchase an older crib, make sure you make sure you check it for damages and ensure that all components are in place prior to purchasing it.
A bassinet is another option. It is similar to a crib but is usually fixed to your bed. It doesn't have legs. They are ideal for babies, and are great when you are recovering from the c-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib lets you to keep your baby close at night. Perfect for feeding your baby at night as well as heartfelt cuddles and check-ups on your comfort while you're cozy in your bed, this smart crib comes with features that help you bond with and soothe your baby. You can easily raise or lower the side rail of the crib using just one hand, to help soothe and comfort your child, or for safe sleep monitoring. It also has a gentle rocking mode as well as an incline function to ease the symptoms of reflux, like indigestion or tummy pain.
It comes with a huge storage space underneath the crib that's perfect for nappies and blankets. It's also designed to fit divan beds, which means you don't need to worry about your frame. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size and sturdy and easy to move from room to room. She also said it's a little heavier than other cribs for bed but that's due to the extra features, like a rocking mode and reflux incline.
One of the most important aspects to look for in a crib is a mattress that is firm. Mattresses with soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm will be more beneficial for your baby's wellbeing, as it is more comfortable and helps to promote healthy spinal development.
You can buy a crib mattress separately however we suggest purchasing a top quality model to ensure that your little one will get the best quality sleep possible. Make sure the mattress meets British safety standards and is the right size for your baby.
If you're considering purchasing a bedside crib, it's worth doing some research to make sure you're getting the best price. Making use of Black Friday sales is a fantastic option to save money on these cribs. Make sure you buy cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are safe and meet the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is an attached bassinet that you can place next to your bed. They're great to keep your baby close to you, so you can easily reach them for evening feedings or to soothe them to sleep during nap time. They are also ideal for mothers who have had csections and struggle to get up in the middle of the night to take care of their newborn.
There's a variety of styles to pick from, but some characteristics that you might like to look out for include:
Can it be cleaned by machine or do you need an easy-to-clean mattress cover? What is the size of the mattress and can it be lowered or raised lower to fit your bed? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?
Mum tester Jasmine particularly liked the fact that this crib is able to swivel, making it easier to reach in and out of to pick up her baby. She also appreciated its size although she said it's not as large as a traditional crib, but it's bigger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also simple to build and can be folded flat, making it easy to move. It was a bit heavy for some moms and 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 or Moses Basket category. This is distinct from other cribs for beds in that it does not have drop-down panels, but instead an adjustable side that can be lower to reach baby. It's not as compact as other cribs for bed however it's quite mobile and comes with a travel bag that makes it easy to store.
Some cribs can transform into a toddler bed or cot using an expansion kit. This feature is useful for families who wish to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the baby stage. However, it is not always necessary.
Budget
The best cribs for beds are ones that sit right next to your bed, so you can keep an eye on baby and take care of feedings at night and changing nappy without getting out of bed. They'll typically have sides that fold or zip down easily, so you can reach over in the dark to scoop them up, and they should also be breathable to ensure comfort. Most will come with a bed, which is ideal because you don't want it to be too hard or clumpy.
The cost of the more complicated models will likely be higher. Take into consideration whether the crib is suitable for your bed or not. Some cribs may only fit a certain type of divan base. This could be a problem if own a bedframe that is unique.
The Next2me Magic crib that is popular with parents who have 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 a thumbs up, stating that it's well-constructed with mesh sides that you can see baby's face through. large bedside cot has a shelf for nappies or blankets and weighs just 10kg.
The SnuzPod4 is an alternative. It comes in a variety of colors and our moms are in love with it. They like the fact that it's slim and sleek, yet it offers ample space for their baby to rest comfortably. And they love the additional features, like an incline option to aid with reflux and an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less which makes them a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket when you're trying to save money on an initial investment. It is important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping but also ensure whether the crib you purchase is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.