Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside cot crib lets you to safely co-sleep with your newborn without putting your baby at risk of overheating or the risk of suffocation. These cribs are attached to the bedside and are particularly helpful for mothers having a c-section who are unable to get out of bed.
Emily, a MFM home tester was pleased with the bedside crib to be easy to assemble and liked the mesh windows that permit airflow and a clear view of the baby. bedside crib vs cot Cots 4 Tots folds flat, and fits into a handy travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib is a unique crib that seamlessly connects with the parents bed to provide a comfortable way for parents to care for their baby at night. This crib allows parents to easily reach their baby to comfort or feed them without having to leave their bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are new and may be suffering from sleep deprivation during the first few months. It encourages healthy growth of the baby by creating an environment that is safe and comfortable.
A high-quality crib for bed will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design at the foot of the bed. This helps to reduce the risk of accidents that may harm your baby. They also have to meet safety standards, such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure your baby is safe and secure when they sleep. Also, make sure the mattress included in your crib is firm rather than 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, in the event that they were not designed to be used with a crib. They can pose a serious safety hazard and might not meet the required safety standards. You should also ensure that any playthings your child uses in the crib is securely attached and does not extend out too far.
Ask other parents for advice when you're not sure about a piece of equipment. Also, look for products that are new and have met current safety standards rather than those that have been handed down or second-hand. If you're going to buy an older crib, make sure you check it thoroughly for damages and ensure that all parts are there prior to purchasing it.
A bassinet is another option. It is like a crib however, it is typically attached to your bed. It does not have legs. These are ideal for newborns and are especially great when you're recovering from a C-section as they're a perfect option to keep your baby close and close to you at all times.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib lets you to keep your baby close throughout the night. Perfect for midnight feeds as well as heartfelt cuddles and check-ups on your comfort while you're snug in your bed, this crib comes with features that help you bond with and soothe your baby. Simply raise or lower the side rail of the crib with one hand to soothe your baby or for secure sleep monitoring. It also features a soft rocking mode and incline function to help relieve symptoms of reflux, such as stomach pain or indigestion.
It has a large storage space underneath the crib, ideal for nappies and blankets. And it's designed to be compatible with divan beds (check the specs as some may require straps that are longer) and you don't need to worry about your bed frame. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, sturdy and easy to move from room to room. She also noted that it's a little heavier than other bedside cribs however this is due to the additional features such as the rocking mode and reflux incline.
Mattresses that are firm are among the most important things to look out for when choosing a crib. This helps reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) since mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood of being suffocated. A firm mattress can be better for your baby's wellbeing, as it is more comfortable and helps to promote healthy spinal development.
You can purchase a crib mattress separately. We recommend to purchase an excellent mattress to give your baby the best quality sleep. Verify that the mattress meets British safety standards and is a suitable size for your baby.
If you're considering purchasing a cot bed for your bed it's worth doing some careful shopping around to ensure you're getting the best price. Black Friday is a great time to buy these cribs at a discount. It's recommended to purchase a crib directly from the manufacturer directly so that you can be sure of its high-quality and that it meets the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that can be attached to the bed's side. They're perfect to keep your newborn close to you so you can easily reach them for night feedings or help them go back to sleep during nap time. They're also a great option for mothers recovering from c-section births, who can be unable to get out of bed to tend to their baby in the middle of the night.
There are a variety of styles available, but you should look for the following features:
How easy is it to keep it clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is an easy-to-clean mattress cover a must? What is the size of the mattress and can it be lowered or raised adjusted to accommodate your bed? What is the weight and is it easy to move around your home, especially if you plan to use it in more than one room at a time?
Mum test-taker Jasmine particularly loved the fact that the crib swivels, which made it easier to reach into and out of to take her newborn. She also liked the size of it and said it's not as large as a traditional crib, but it's bigger than typical Moses baskets and is comfortable for babies. It's also easy to put together and can be folded flat, making it easy to move. Some mums found it to be a bit heavy, however, and this may be an issue for those with mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option to look into. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. This is different from other cribs for bed in that it doesn't come with a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that you can lower to reach baby. It's not as compact when dismantled as some other bedside cribs, but it's still fairly portable and comes with a bag that makes it easy to store.
Some cribs can be converted into a toddler or cot with the help of an expansion kit. This can be a beneficial feature for families who are looking to extend the lifespan of their baby's sleeping space well beyond the infant stage, but isn't always required.
Budget
The best cribs for beds can be placed right next to your bed, which means you can watch your baby and tend to the needs of feeding and changing nappies without getting out of bed. They'll usually have sides that fold or zip down easily so you can reach up in the dark to pick them up, and they should also be breathable for comfort. Most will come with beds, which are ideal because you don't want it to be too hard or clumpy.
You should also factor in the ease of assemble - some are much more simple than others, and the more complicated models likely costing more. Consider whether the crib will fit your bed or not. Some cribs may only fit with a specific type of divan base. This could be a problem for you if you have a bedframe that is more unusual.
The Next2me Magic crib which is popular with those who have a divan, is a great choice for those who already own one. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Award in the category of the Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket. Our mum testers have given it a positive review, saying that it's made with high-quality mesh sides that allow you to see baby's face through. It has a shelf that can be used for nappies or blankets and weighs only 10kg.
Another good option is the SnuzPod4, which is available in a variety of colours, and our mums have been extremely pleased with it too. They like the simplicity of it, and how it's sleek, but still provides plenty of space for baby to rest comfortably. And they love the additional features, including the ability to tilt to aid in reflux and an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less, which makes them a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket when you're trying to save money on your initial purchase. Always follow the safe guidelines for sleeping and make sure the crib you select is safe.