Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside crib allows you to sleep comfortably with your newborn without putting your baby at risk of overheating or death by suffocation. Designed to attach to the sides of your bed, they're especially useful for mothers who are finding getting out of bed painful.
Emily Emily, an MFM home test participant, found the bedside crib easy to put together and loved the mesh windows that allow airflow and visibility of baby. It also folds flat and slots into a handy travel bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is an innovative crib which is able to connect seamlessly to the parents' beds, giving them a convenient way to take care of their infant at night. The crib lets parents easily reach their baby so that they can soothe or feed them without leaving their bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers who may be suffering from sleep deprivation during the first few months. It also assists in encouraging the growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable environment for sleeping.
A high-quality crib for bed will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design at the foot of the bed. This helps reduce the risk of accidents that may harm your baby. They also meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure that your child is safe and secure when they are asleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress included in your crib is firm instead of soft, and look for any gaps which could increase your baby's risk of suffocation, or entrapment.
Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers to your baby's crib, unless they were designed to be used with a crib. They can be danger to your child's safety and may not be up to the required safety standards. You should also ensure that any toys your baby utilizes in the crib are securely secured and does not extend too far.
If you're uncertain about a particular piece of equipment, consult other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for advice, and make sure you choose a crib that is brand new and meets current safety standards, not secondhand or hand-me-downs. Examine the crib for any damage prior to purchasing it.
Another alternative is to purchase the bassinet, which is similar to a cot, but typically fixes to your bed and doesn't have legs. bedside crib vs cot are ideal for newborns and are especially beneficial if you're recovering from a C-section as they're a perfect way to keep your baby close and by your side throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close throughout the 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 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 calm and comfort your child for a safe way to monitor sleep. It also has a gentle rocking mode as well as an incline function to help relieve symptoms of reflux, like stomach pain or indigestion.
It has a large storage compartment beneath the crib, perfect for nappies and blankets. It's designed to be used with divan beds (check the specifications for specific ones that may require straps that are longer), so you don't have to fret about the frame of your bed. Gulhan Arapoglu claimed that it was an ideal size, strong, and easy to move from room room. She also noted that it's a bit heavier than other bedside cribs however this is due to additional features like the ability to rock or a reflux incline.
One of the most important factors to look for in a crib is its mattress that is firm. This reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood of suffocation. A firm mattress is also a healthier choice for your baby as it's more comfortable and aids in healthy growth of the spine.
You can purchase an individual crib mattress, but we recommend buying a high-end model to ensure that your child will get the best quality sleep possible. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and is an appropriate size for your baby.
If you're thinking of buying a bedside cot crib it's worth doing some research to make sure you're getting the best deal. Black Friday is a great occasion to buy these cribs for a price that is lower. Make sure best bedside cot for newborn purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are safe and meet the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that attaches to the side of your bed. These cribs are ideal for keeping your baby close enough to reach them easily for evening feedings and help them back to sleep during nap time. They are also ideal for mums who have had csections and struggle to get up in the middle of the night to care for their newborn.
There are a variety of styles available but you should look for the following features:
How easy it is to keep clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is an easy-to-clean mattress cover essential? What size is the bed and can you raise or lower it to accommodate? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?
Mum test-taker Jasmine particularly liked the fact that this crib is able to swivel, making it easier to reach into and out of to grab her baby. She also liked the size, stating that it is not as large as a full-sized baby crib however it is bigger than standard Moses baskets. It's also comfortable for her baby. It's also easy to put together and folds flat, which makes it easy to carry. It was somewhat heavy for some moms who were carrying it around, which could be an issue for those with 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 different from other bedside cribs in that it does not have a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that can be lowered to allow baby to get closer. It's not as compact as other bedside cribs when dismantled, but it's still transportable and comes with a travel bag.
Some cribs can be converted to a toddler cot or a cot using an expansion kit. This feature is useful for families looking to increase their baby's sleeping space beyond the newborn stage. However, it's not always necessary.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use will sit right by your bed, which means you can keep an eye on baby and tend to night feeds and nappy changes without having to get out of bed. It is easy to fold or close the sides so that you can access them in the dark. They should also be breathable in order to give you a comfortable sleep. The majority will have beds, which are ideal since you don't want it to be too hard or clumpy.
You should also factor in the ease of put together - some cribs are easier than others, with the more complex models costing more. Be sure to consider whether the crib is suitable for your bed or not. Some cribs may only work with a specific type of divan base, which can be a problem if you have a unique bed frame.
The Next2me Magic crib, which is popular with those who have a divan is a great option for those who already have one. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-constructed and has a high mesh side so you can see the baby's face. Our mom testers liked it and gave it a thumbs-up. It also comes with a useful storage shelf for nappies and blankets and is light at 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is another option. It is available in a variety of colours and our mums enjoy it. They love the design, which is slim and sleek, yet it offers plenty of space for baby to sleep comfortably, and they appreciate the additional features, including the ability to tilt to aid in reflux and the soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be bought at PS99 or less, making them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you are looking to save on the initial cost. It is important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping but also ensure that the crib you buy is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.