Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby without the danger of suffocation or overheating. It is designed to be attached to the side of your bed, they're beneficial for mothers of c-sections who are unable to get out of bed a challenge.
Emily, a MFM home tester, found the bedside crib to be easy to put together and loved the mesh windows that allow airflow and a clear view of the baby. It folds flat and slots into an ideal travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib is a unique crib that seamlessly connects with the parents bed to provide a convenient way for parents to take care of their baby during the night. The crib lets parents easily reach their baby so that they can soothe or feed them without leaving bed. This is especially helpful for new mothers who may be suffering from sleep deprivation during the early months. It also assists in encouraging the development of a healthy baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
A good 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 result in harm to your baby. The cribs also have safety standards like BS EN 1130, which assures your baby is secure and protected when they sleep. Also, make sure the mattress you get with your crib is firm rather than soft, and look for any gaps that could increase your child's risk of suffocation, or entrapment.
You should also avoid 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 can pose a serious hazard and may not meet safety standards. Also, make sure that any toys or items your baby plays with in the crib are securely anchored to the crib and do not protrude too far of the crib's edges.
If you're not sure about a certain piece of equipment, you can ask other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for suggestions, and make sure you look for a product that is brand new and meets current safety standards, instead of secondhand or hand-me-downs. Check cheap bedside cot for damage before buying it.
A bassinet is another option. It is similar to a crib, but is usually fixed to your bed. It does not have legs. They're great for newborns and are particularly beneficial if you're recovering from a C-section as they're a perfect way to keep your baby close and at your side at all times.
Size
Keep baby right next to you at night with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. Perfect for feeding your baby at night as well as heartfelt cuddles and comfort checks while you stay cosy in your own bed, this clever crib is loaded with features to 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 soothe and comfort your child or for a safe way to monitor sleep. It also features a soft rocking mode as well as an incline function to ease the symptoms of reflux, such as indigestion or tummy pain.
It comes with a huge storage area underneath the crib that's perfect for nappies and blankets. It's also designed to fit divan beds, so you don't have to worry about the frame. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size and sturdy and easy to move around from room to room. She added that it's a bit heavier than other cribs for bed but that's because of the extra features such as a rocking mode and reflux incline.
Firm mattresses are among the most important aspects to look for when choosing a crib. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS, which is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm is a healthier choice for your child as it's more comfortable and aids in healthy spinal growth.
You can buy a crib mattress separately. However, we recommend to purchase the best quality mattress to ensure your baby gets the best possible rest. Make sure the mattress meets British safety standards and is the right size for your baby.
If bedside cot 6 months plus considering buying a cot bed for your bed it's worth doing some research to ensure you're getting the best deal. Utilizing Black Friday sales is a great way to save money on these cribs. Be sure to purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are secure and meet the safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that can be attached to the sides of your bed. These cribs are great to keep your baby close enough to reach them easily for night feedings and soothe them back into sleep during nap time. They're also a godsend for mothers recovering from c section births, who can find it difficult to get up to tend to their baby in the middle of the night.
There are a variety of styles available however, you should search for the following qualities:
Can it be cleaned with a machine or do you need an unwashable mattress cover? What is the size of the mattress and can it be raised or adjusted to accommodate your bed? What is the weight and is it easy to move around your home, particularly if you plan to use it in more than one room at a time?
Jasmine as a mother tester, loved that the crib rotates. This made it easier for her to reach into and out of it to take her baby. She also appreciated its size, saying it's not as big as a standard crib, but it's larger than typical 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 mothers and could be a problem for those who have mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you can look into. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. The crib differs from other cribs in that it does not include a drop-down panel and instead has an adjustable side you can lower so that you can reach your baby. It's not quite as compact as other cribs, but it's still portable and comes with an included travel bag.
Some cribs can transform into a toddler bed or cot with an expansion kit. This is a great feature for families planning to extend the life of their baby's bed long past the newborn stage, but isn't always required.
Budget
The best bedside cribs are those that are next to your bed so you can watch 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 up in the dark to scoop them up, and they should also be breathable to ensure comfort. The majority will have an upholstered bed, which is ideal since you don't want it to be too soft or lumpy.
You should also factor in 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 is designed to be a perfect fit for your bed or not. Certain cribs can only be fitted to the specific divan base. This could be a problem for you if you have a bed frame that is more unique.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great option for those who have divan beds, and was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for The Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. Our mums who have tested it have given it a positive review, saying that it's well-constructed with high-quality mesh sides that allow you to see your baby's face through. It also comes with a useful storage shelf to store nappies and blankets and is light at 10kg.
Another option is the SnuzPod4, which comes in a variety of colours, and our mums have been extremely pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim, sleek design that provides plenty of room for baby to relax comfortably. Our mothers also love the features like incline options, which help with reflux, as well as a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be purchased at PS99 or less, making them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you're looking to cut costs on your initial investment. Always follow the safe guidelines for sleeping and make sure the crib you choose is safe.