Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without risk of overheating or suffocation. These cribs are attached to the bedside and are useful for c-section mothers who have difficulty to get out of bed.
MFM home tester Emily found this bedside crib simple to put together and loved the mesh window to allow for airflow and visibility for babies. It folds flat, and fits into a handy travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib crib is a unique crib that connects seamlessly with the parents' beds to give them a convenient way to take care of their infant during the night. The crib lets parents access their child easily so that they can feed and comfort their child without having to leave the bed. This is beneficial for parents who suffer from sleep apnea during those early years. It also aids in promoting a healthy growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
A good quality bedside crib will have a an extremely strong connection and a non-slip design for the bed's foot, which helps to reduce the risk of accidents that could potentially cause harm to your baby. These cribs will also meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130, which assures your baby is safe and secure while they sleep. Make sure that the mattress in your crib is firm and not squishy. Also, look for any gaps or holes that could increase the risk of suffocation.
Avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers for your baby's crib in the event that they were not made to be used with a crib. They can be an extremely risk to safety and might not be up to the required safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any toys or items that your child plays with in the crib are securely anchored to the crib, and aren't too far out of the crib's edges.
If you're uncertain about a certain piece of equipment, you can ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for help, and make sure you look for a product that is brand new and complies with current safety standards, rather than second-hand or used cribs. Examine the crib for any damage before buying it.
A bassinet is an alternative. It is like a crib but is usually fixed to your bed. It does not have legs. They are ideal for babies, and are great when you are recovering from an o-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. This innovative crib comes with a variety of features that allow you to bond with your baby and soothe them. It is perfect for nighttime feedings, cuddles, and comfort checks. Simply lift or lower the side rail of the crib with just one hand to soothe and comfort your little one or for safe sleep monitoring. It has soft rocking functions and an incline feature to aid in relieving symptoms like stomach pain and indigestion.
It comes with a huge storage space underneath the crib, ideal for nappies and blankets. It's designed to fit divan beds which means you don't need to worry about your frame. Gulhan Arapoglu claimed that it was a good size, sturdy, and easy to move from room to room. She adds that it's a little heavier than other cribs for bed however this is due to the additional features like the rocking mode and the reflux incline.
Firm mattresses are one of the most important features to look out for when choosing the crib. Soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress is also better for your child as it's more comfortable and aids in healthy growth of the spine.
You can purchase a crib mattress separately however we recommend buying a high-end model to ensure that your child gets the best rest possible. Verify that the mattress meets British safety standards and that it's an appropriate size for your baby.
It's worth shopping for the best deal if you're considering buying a bedside crib. Taking advantage of Black Friday sales is a fantastic method to save on these useful cribs. Make sure you purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are secure and meet the safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet to your bed. They're ideal to keep your baby close to you so you can easily reach them for night feedings or soothe them back to sleep during nap time. They're also a godsend for mums recovering from c-section births, who may struggle to get up to look after their baby in the middle of the night.
There are a variety of styles available, but you should look for the following characteristics:
How easy is it to keep it clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is an easy-to-clean mattress cover a must? How 4-in-1 bedside crib is the mattress and can it be lowered or raised lower to accommodate your bed? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?
Mum test subject Jasmine particularly loved the fact that this crib can swivel, which made it easier to reach into and out of to take her newborn. She also appreciated its size, saying it's not as large as a standard crib, but is bigger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also simple to assemble and folds flat for easy transport. It was quite heavy for some moms, which could be an issue for those who have mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you could think about. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's different from other bedside cribs 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 quite as compact as other bedside cribs, but it's still transportable and comes with a travel bag.
Some cribs can be transformed to a toddler cot or a cot by using an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families who wish to increase their baby's sleeping space beyond the newborn stage. However, it is not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for your bed are ones that are placed close to your bed so that you can look after your baby, change nappys at night, and feed your baby without getting up from your 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'll be breathable to ensure comfort. The majority will have an upholstered bed, which is ideal because you do not want it to be too soft or lumpy.
You must also consider how easy it is to assemble - some are much more simple than others, and the more complicated models likely costing more. Consider whether the crib was designed to be a perfect fit for your bed or not. Some cribs may only work with a specific type of divan base, which could be a problem if have a unique bed frame.
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 the best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-made with high-quality mesh sides to let you see the baby's face. Our mum testers liked it and gave it a thumbs-up. It also comes with a useful storage shelf for blankets and nappies and is surprisingly light at just 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is another option. It comes in many colors, and our mothers enjoy it. They like the fact that it's slim and sleek, yet it offers ample space for babies to sleep comfortably, and they appreciate the additional features, such as the ability to tilt to aid in reflux and an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs are available at PS99 or less, which makes them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you're trying to save money on your initial investment. Always remember to follow safe sleep guidance but also ensure that the crib you buy is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.