bedside cot crib (Recommended Reading)

Bedside cribs allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby without the danger of suffocation or overheating. These cot cribs attach to the bedside travel cot and are especially beneficial for mothers who are unable to get out of their bed.

Emily Emily, an MFM home tester Emily, a home tester for MFM, found the crib easy to put together and loved the mesh windows that allow for airflow and a clear view of the baby. It folds flat and stowed into an easy-to-travel bedside crib bag.

Safety

A bedside crib is a unique crib that connects seamlessly to the parents' bed to provide a convenient method for them to take care of their baby at night. The crib allows parents to easily reach their child to comfort or feed them without having to leave the bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are new and may be suffering from sleep deprivation during the beginning of their pregnancy. It encourages healthy growth of the infant by providing a safe and comfortable environment.

A high-quality bedside crib will have a a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the foot of the bed which reduces the chance of accidents which could cause injury to your baby. They will also conform to safety standards, such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure that your child is secure and safe when they are asleep. Make sure that the mattress in your crib is firm and not squishy. Also, look for any holes or gaps that could increase your child's danger of suffocation.

Avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers to your baby's crib, except if they were specifically designed to be used in conjunction with a crib. They could pose a serious safety hazard, and may not meet the required safety standards. You should also make sure that any toys or objects your baby is playing with in the crib are securely secured, and that they do not protrude too far of the edges.

If you're unsure about a particular piece of equipment, ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for help, and make sure you look for a product that is new and meets current safety standards, rather than secondhand or hand-me-downs. If you're planning to purchase a used crib, examine it thoroughly for any damage and ensure all the components are present before purchasing it.

A bassinet is an alternative. It is similar to a crib, but it is typically attached to your bed. It doesn't have legs. These are ideal for newborns and are particularly beneficial when you're recovering from a C-section, because they're the perfect option to keep your baby close and at your side at all times.

Size

Sweet2Sleep's crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night. Perfect for midnight feeds or heartfelt cuddles, as well as comfort checks while you stay cozy in your bed, this crib is loaded with features to help you bond and soothe your newborn. Simply raise or lower the side rail of the crib using one hand to soothe your infant or to provide safe sleep monitoring. It also has a gentle rocking mode as well as an incline function to help relieve symptoms of reflux, including stomach pain or indigestion.

It has a large storage space underneath the crib, ideal for nappies and blankets. It's also designed to be compatible with divan beds (check the specs because some might require longer straps), so you don't have to worry about the frame of your bed. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, sturdy and easy to move from room to room. She also says that it's a bit heavier than other bedside cosleeper cribs however this is due to additional features, such as the ability to rock or a reflux incline.

Mattresses that are firm are among the most important aspects to look for when choosing a crib. Soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm is a healthier choice for your baby since it is more comfortable and helps support healthy growth of the spine.

You can buy a crib mattress separately however we suggest investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your child gets the best rest possible. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with British safety regulations and is the correct size for your child.

If you're thinking of buying a bedside cot crib, it's worth doing an extensive search to make sure you're getting the best deal. Utilizing Black Friday sales is a great way to save money on these useful cribs. Remember that you should always buy 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 can be attached to the bed's side. They're great to keep your baby close to you, so you can easily reach them for night feedings or help them go back to sleep during nap times. They're also great for mums who have had c-sections and find it hard to get up at the middle of the night to take care of their baby.

There's a variety of styles you can pick from, but some of the features that you might like to look out for include:

How easy it is to keep it clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is a machine washable mattress cover a must? How big is the mattress and can it be raised or adjusted to fit your bed? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?

Jasmine as a mother test subject, was pleased that the crib swivels. This made it easier for her to reach into and out of it to pick up her baby. She also appreciated the size, stating that it's not as large as a standard crib for babies, but it is larger than the standard Moses baskets. It is also comfortable for her infant. It's also simple to put together and folds up flat for easy transport. It was quite heavy for some mothers who were carrying it around, which could be a problem for those with mobility problems.

The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you could consider. It won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. This crib is distinct from other cribs for beds in that it doesn't come with an adjustable panel, but instead an adjustable side that can be lowered to allow baby to get closer. It's not as compact as other bedside cribs, but it's still transportable and comes with an included travel bag.

Other cribs are designed to transform into a toddler bed or cot with an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families who want to expand their baby's sleeping space beyond the newborn stage. However, it's not always needed.

Budget

The best cribs for beds can be placed right next to your bed, which means you can watch your baby and attend to the needs of feeding and changing nappies without needing to get out of bed. It is easy to fold or zip the sides so you can access them in the dark. They should also be breathable in order to provide comfort. Many will come with mattresses, which are crucial since you want it to be a bit firm and flat instead of soft or lumpy.

The cost of the more complicated models will be more expensive. Also, think about whether the crib was designed to be a perfect fit for your bed or not. Some cribs are only compatible with a particular type of divan base, which can be a problem if you 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 The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Our mom testers have given it a thumbs up, saying it's well-made with high-quality mesh sides, which you can see baby's face through. It has a shelf for nappies or blankets, and is lightweight at only 10kg.

Another alternative is the SnuzPod4, which is available in a variety of colours and our mothers have been really positive about it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim and elegant option that offers plenty of room for baby to sleep comfortably. Our mums also love the features like incline options that aid in reflux, as well as a soothing rocking mechanism.

Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less which makes them a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket if you're looking to reduce the cost of an initial purchase. Always follow the safe sleeping guidelines and ensure that the crib you choose is safe.