Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs let you to sleep safely with your baby without the danger of suffocation or overheating. These cribs can be attached to the bedside and are particularly beneficial for mothers who have difficulty to get out of bed.
Emily Emily, an MFM home test participant, found the bedside crib to be easy to assemble and liked the mesh windows that allow for airflow and visibility of baby. It folds flat and can be put into a an ideal travel bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is an innovative crib which connects seamlessly with the parents' beds, giving parents with a convenient method to care for their baby at night. The crib lets parents easily reach their baby so that they can soothe or feed them without having to leave their bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are new and may suffer from sleep deprivation in the early months. It encourages healthy growth of the infant by providing an environment that is safe and secure.
A high-quality bedside crib will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design at the bottom of the bed. This reduces the risk of accidents that may harm 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 the mattress in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, look for any gaps or holes that could increase your child's risk of suffocation.
It is also recommended to avoid using pillows, duvets, or baby bumpers in your child's crib unless they're made specifically to be used in conjunction with a cot or a crib as they could pose a serious hazard and may not be safe. Also, make sure that any playthings your child plays with in the crib is securely attached and does not extend out too far.
Ask other parents for their advice when you're not sure about certain pieces of equipment. Also, look for products that are new and meet current safety standards, not those that have been passed down or used. Check the crib for damage before buying it.
Another alternative is to purchase a bassinet, which is similar to a cot, but usually is attached to your bed and doesn't have legs. They are ideal for babies, and are great for those recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you all the time.
Size
Keep your baby close to you during the night with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. Ideal for feeding at midnight or heartfelt cuddles, as well as comfort checks while you are snug in your bed, this clever crib is loaded with features to help you bond and soothe your newborn. Simply raise or lower the side rails of the crib using one hand to soothe your infant or to provide secure sleep monitoring. It has a gentle rocking function and an incline feature that can help relieve symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
It comes with a huge storage space underneath the crib, ideal for blankets and nappies. It's designed to work with divan beds (check the specifications because some might require straps that are longer) So you don't need to worry about the frame of your bed. Gulhan Arapoglu said that it was an ideal size, strong and easy to move from room room. She adds that it's heavier than other cribs for bed but that's because of the additional features like an adjustable rocking mode as well as a reflux incline.
Firm mattresses are one of the most important things to look for when choosing a crib. Mattresses with soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress can be healthier for your baby, as it is more comfortable and encourages healthy spinal development.
You can buy an individual crib mattress however we recommend investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your little one gets the best rest possible. Verify that the mattress meets British safety standards and that it's a suitable size for your baby.
If you're considering purchasing a bedside crib it's a good idea to do some careful shopping around to ensure you're getting the best price. Black Friday is a great opportunity to purchase cribs at a bargain. But remember that it's ideal to purchase a crib directly from the manufacturer directly so that you can be certain of its high-quality and that it meets the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that can be attached to the side of your bed. These cribs are great 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 godsend for mothers recovering from c section births, who might struggle to get up to tend to their baby in the middle of the night.
There are a wide variety of styles to pick from, but some features you should look for are:
Can it be cleaned by machine or do you need a hand-washable mattress cover? What is the size of the mattress and can it be raised or lower to accommodate your bed? 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 in and out of to pick up her baby. She also appreciated its size and said it's not as large as a full-sized crib but it's larger than typical Moses baskets and is comfortable for babies. It's also easy to build and can be folded flat, making it easy to transport. It was a bit heavy for some mothers who were carrying it around, which could be a problem for those who have 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 crib is different from others in that it does not have a drop down panel however it does have an adjustable side you can lower so that you can reach your baby. It's not quite as compact as other bedside cribs when dismantled, but it is still transportable and comes with a travel bag.
Some cribs can convert into a toddler bed or cot by using an expansion kit. This can be a beneficial feature for families planning to extend the life of their baby's sleep space well beyond the infant stage, but isn't always necessary.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use are those that sit next 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. It is easy to fold or zip the sides so you can access them in the dark. They should also be breathable to give you a comfortable sleep. Most will come with mattresses, which is crucial since you want it to be a bit firm and flat instead of soft or clumpy.
The cost of the more complicated models will likely be higher. Be sure to consider whether the crib is suitable for your bed or not. Some cribs may only fit the specific divan base. This could be a problem for you if you own a bedframe that is more unusual.
The Next2me Magic crib, which is popular with those who own a divan, is a great option for those who already own one. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the category of the Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-made with high-quality mesh sides that let you see the baby's face. Our mom testers gave it a thumbs up. It has a shelf for nappies or blankets, and is lightweight at only 10kg.
Another option is the SnuzPod4, which is available in a variety of colours and our mothers have been really positive about it too. They love the fact that it's slim and sleek, yet it offers 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, as well as an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both these cribs are available for PS99 or less, which makes them more affordable than a Moses basket for those trying to reduce the cost of an initial investment. Always follow safe sleeping guidelines and make sure the crib you choose is secure.