Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby without risk of suffocation or overheating. The cribs are designed to attach to the side of your bed, they're especially helpful for c-section mums who find getting out of bed difficult.
Emily is an MFM home tester, found the bedside crib easy to put together and loved the mesh windows that allow for airflow and better visibility for babies. It can be folded flat and put into an easy-to-travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib crib 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 during the night. This crib allows parents to easily reach their child so that they can comfort or feed them without leaving bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who be suffering from sleep deprivation during the early months. It promotes healthy growth for 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 mattress's foot which reduces the risk of accidents that could cause injury to your baby. They also meet safety standards, such as BS EN 1130:2019, which helps to ensure your baby is secure and safe when they sleep. Make sure that the mattress in your crib is firm and not squishy. Also, check for any holes or gaps that could increase the risk of suffocation.
Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers for 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 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, and that they do not protrude too far of the crib's edges.
Ask other parents for their advice if you are unsure about certain pieces of equipment. Also, look for products that are new and have met the current safety standards instead of those that were passed down or second-hand. Examine the crib for any damage before buying it.
Another option is to invest in a bassinet, which is similar to a cot but usually is attached to your bed and does not have legs. They are great for newborns, and are great for those recovering from the c-section. They keep your baby close to you throughout the day.
Size
Keep baby close to you during the night with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. Ideal for feeding at midnight, heartfelt cuddles and check-ups on your comfort while you're snug in your bed, this crib is loaded with features to help you bond and soothe your baby. Simply raise or lower the side rails of the crib using one hand to soothe your infant or to provide secure sleep monitoring. It comes with a gentle rocking function and an incline function to alleviate symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
It has a large storage compartment underneath the crib, which is ideal for blankets and nappies. It's designed to fit divan beds, so you won't have to worry about your frame. Gulhan Arapoglu said that it was an adequate size, durable, and easy to move from room room. She adds that it's heavier than some bedside cribs but that's because of the extra features, like the rocking mode and the reflux upwards.
One of the most important factors to look for in a crib is a mattress that is firm. Mattresses that are soft can increase the risk of SIDS, which is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm is better for your baby as it's more comfortable and supports healthy growth of the spine.
You can purchase a crib mattress separately however we recommend buying a high-end model to ensure that your little one has the best sleep possible. Check that the crib mattress meets British safety standards and that it's the right size for your baby.
It's worth looking around for the best price in case you're thinking about buying a crib for your bed. Black Friday is a great time to buy cribs at a bargain. Make sure you buy cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are secure and meet the safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed. These cribs are ideal to keep your baby close enough that you can access them easily for evening feedings and help them back to sleep during nap time. They're also a great option for mums recovering from c-section births, who may struggle to get up to take care of their child in the middle of the night.
There are a variety of styles to choose from, but you should look for the following characteristics:
Can it be cleaned with a machine or do you need an unwashable mattress cover? How big is the mattress and can it be lowered or raised lowered to fit your bed? What's the weight and is it easy to move around your home, particularly if you plan to use it in more than one room at the same time?
Jasmine as a mother tester, liked that the crib rotates. This made it easier for her to reach in and out of it to pick up her baby. She also admired the size of the crib, saying it's not as big as a traditional crib, but it's bigger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also easy to put together and it folds flat, making it easy to transport. Some moms complained that it was a little heavy, however, and this could be a problem for those who have mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you could look into. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's distinct from other cribs for beds in that it doesn't have an adjustable panel, but instead an adjustable side that can be lowered to make it easier for baby to reach. It's not quite as compact as other cribs when dismantled, but it is still transportable and comes with a travel bag.
Some cribs can be converted to a toddler cot or a cot by using an expansion kit. This can be a beneficial feature for families who are planning to extend the life of their baby's sleep space far beyond the newborn stage, but isn't always necessary.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use are those that are near your bed, to let you watch your baby, change nappys at night and feed your baby without having to get up from your bed. They'll typically have sides that fold or zip down easily, so you can reach over in the dark to grab them and they'll also be breathable for your comfort. Most will come with an upholstered bed, which is ideal since you don't want it to be too hard or clumpy.
You must also consider the ease of build - some cribs are more simple than others, and the more complex models costing more. Consider whether the crib was designed to fit your bed or not. Some may only work with a specific kind of divan base, which can be a problem if have a unique bed frame.
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 as the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Our mum testers have given it a thumbs up, stating that it's well-made with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby's face through. It also comes with a handy storage shelf for blankets and nappies and is surprisingly light at 10kg.
Another alternative is the SnuzPod4, which is available in a range of colours and our moms have been extremely pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is slim, elegant option that offers plenty of room for baby to relax comfortably. Our moms are also awed by features such as incline options that aid in reflux, as well as a relaxing rocking mechanism.
cotsfortots are available for PS99 or less which makes them a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket when you're looking to save money on your initial investment. Always follow safe sleeping guidelines and make sure the crib you choose is safe.