Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside cot crib lets you to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn without putting your baby at risk of overheating or the risk of suffocation. 4-in-1 bedside crib is designed to be attached to the sides of your bed, they're particularly beneficial for mothers of c-sections who are unable to get out of bed painful.
MFM home tester Emily found this bedside crib to be easy to put together, and loved the mesh windows to allow for airflow and visibility for babies. It can be folded flat and stored in a convenient travel bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is an innovative crib which is able to connect seamlessly to the parents' beds to give an easy way to take care of their baby at night. The crib lets parents access their child easily so that they can feed and comfort them without leaving the bed. This is useful for new parents who suffer from sleep deprivation during those first few months. It promotes healthy growth in the baby by creating a safe and comfortable environment.
A good quality bedside cot crib should have a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the bed's foot which reduces the chance of accidents which could cause injury to your baby. The cribs also have safety standards like BS EN 1130, which assures your baby is secure and safe when they sleep. Also, make sure the mattress you get with your crib is firm rather than soft, and also look for any gaps that could increase your baby's danger of suffocation or getting trapped.
Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers to your baby's crib except if they were specifically intended to be used in conjunction in conjunction with a crib. They could pose danger to your child's safety and may not meet the safety standards. You should also make sure that any toys or other items your baby is playing with in the crib are securely secured, and that they don't protrude too far out of the crib's edges.
If you're uncertain about a certain piece of equipment, you can always ask other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for help, and make sure you choose a crib that is brand new and meets current safety standards, not secondhand or hand-me-downs. If you're planning to purchase a used crib, make sure you check it for damages and ensure that all components are present prior to purchasing it.
A bassinet is an alternative. It's similar to a crib, however, it is typically attached to your bed. It does not have legs. These are ideal for newborns and are particularly beneficial if you're recovering from a C-section because they're the perfect way to keep your baby close at your side at all times.
Size
Keep baby close to you during the night with the Sweet2Sleep bedside crib. Ideal for feeding at midnight, heartfelt cuddles and comfort checks while you are cosy in your own bed, this smart crib is loaded with features to help you bond and soothe your newborn. Simply lift or lower the side rail of the crib using one hand to soothe and comfort your infant or to provide safe sleep monitoring. It has a gentle rocking function and an incline feature to help relieve symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
It has a large storage space underneath the crib, which is ideal for nappies and blankets. It's designed to fit divan beds, so you won't have to worry about your frame. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, robust and easy to move from room to room. She adds that it's a little heavier than some bedside cribs but that's because of the extra features such as an adjustable rocking mode as well as a reflux incline.
Firm mattresses are one of the most important things to look for when choosing the crib. Mattresses with soft mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm is better for your child as it is more comfortable and helps support healthy spinal growth.
You can purchase a crib mattress on its own however we recommend buying a high-end model to ensure that your little one gets the best rest possible. Be sure that the mattress meets British safety standards and is of the correct size for your child.
If you're thinking of buying a cot bed for your bed it's worth doing some research to ensure you're getting the best price. Making use of Black Friday sales is a excellent way to save money on these practical cribs. It's best to buy a crib directly from the manufacturer directly so you can be sure of its high-quality and that it meets the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that you can place next to your bed. They're perfect to keep your baby close to you so that you can easily reach them for night feedings or to soothe them to sleep during nap times. They're also a great option for mothers recovering from c section births, who may be unable to get out of bed to take care of their child during the night.
There are a wide variety of different styles to choose from, but some of the features you should look out for include:
Can it be cleaned by machine or does it require an unwashable mattress cover? What size is the bed and can you lower or raise it to fit? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?
Jasmine, a mum tester, loved that the crib swivels. This made it easier for her to reach into and out of it to pick up her baby. She also liked the size, saying that it is not as big as a full-sized baby crib but it is larger than the standard Moses baskets. It's also comfortable for her infant. It's also easy to put together and it folds flat, making it easy to carry. Some mums found it somewhat heavy, however, and this may be an issue for those who have mobility issues.
Another option to think about is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. The crib differs from other cribs in that it doesn't include a drop-down panel, but instead has an adjustable side that you can lower to allow you to reach your baby. It's not as compact like other cribs however, it's still portable and comes with a bag that makes it easy to store.
Other cribs are designed to convert into a toddler bed or cot using an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families who want to increase their baby's sleeping space beyond the newborn stage. However, it's not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for your bed are those that sit near your bed, so that you can look after your baby, change diapers in the evening, and feed your baby without having to get up from your bed. You can easily fold or close the sides so that you can reach them in the dark. They should also be breathable to offer comfort. Most will come with a mattress, which is important because you want it to be firm and flat, not soft or clumpy.
You should also factor in the ease of assemble - some are much easier than others, with the more complex models costing more. Also, think about whether the crib is made to fit your own bed or not. Some cribs may only fit with a specific type of divan base. This could be a problem if you own a bedframe that is 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 nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. Our mum testers have given it the thumbs up, stating that it's made with mesh sides, which you can see the baby's face through. It comes with a shelf to store nappies or blankets, and weighs just 10kg.
travel cot bedside is the SnuzPod4, available in a range of colours, and our mums have been very pleased with it too. They appreciate the simplicity of it, and how it's sleek, but still provides plenty of space for baby to rest comfortably. And they are enthralled by the extra features, such as the ability to tilt to aid in reflux and an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less which makes them more affordable than a Moses basket when you're trying to reduce the cost of an initial investment. Always follow safe guidelines for sleeping and make sure the crib you pick is safe.