Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without the risk of overheating or suffocation. These cot cribs attach to the bedside and are especially beneficial for mothers who are unable to get out of the bed.
MFM home tester Emily found this crib to be easy to put together, and loved the mesh windows to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It folds flat and put into an easy-to-travel bag.
Safety
A bedside cot crib is an innovative crib that seamlessly connects with the parents bed to provide a comfortable method for parents to care for their baby during the night. The crib allows parents to easily reach their baby to comfort or feed them without having to leave the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are new and may suffer from sleep deprivation in the beginning of their pregnancy. It also assists in encouraging the development of a healthy baby by providing a safe and comfortable environment for sleeping.
A good quality bedside cot crib will have a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the bed's foot, which helps to reduce the risk of accidents that could result in harm to your baby. They also meet safety standards like BS EN 1130, which assures your baby is safe and secure while they sleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress included in your crib is firm instead of soft, and also look for any gaps that could increase your child's risk of suffocation, or entrapment.
best bedside cot uk is also recommended to avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers in your baby's crib unless they're designed specifically for use in conjunction with a cot or a crib, as they can pose a serious hazard and may not meet safety standards. You should also ensure that any toys your baby plays with in the crib is securely attached and doesn't extend too far.
If you're not sure about a piece of equipment, ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for help, and make sure you choose a crib that is brand new and complies with current safety standards, instead of secondhand or hand-me-downs. Examine the crib for any damage prior to purchasing it.
A bassinet is an alternative. It's similar to a crib, but is usually fixed to your bed. It does not have legs. These are ideal for newborns and are especially beneficial if you're recovering from a C-section, as they're a perfect option to keep your baby close close to you throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib lets you to keep your baby close at night. Perfect for feeding your baby at night or heartfelt cuddles, as well as check-ups on your comfort while you're cozy in your bed, this crib is packed with features to aid in bonding and soothing your baby. It is easy to raise or lower the side rail of the crib using only one hand, to help soothe and comfort your child for safe sleep monitoring. It also has a gentle rocking mode as well as an incline function to help relieve symptoms of reflux, like indigestion or tummy pain.
It has a large storage area beneath the crib, perfect for blankets and nappies. It's designed to fit divan beds so you won't have to worry about your frame. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, sturdy and easy to move around from room to room. She added that it's a bit heavier than some cribs for beds but that's because of the extra features, like the rocking mode and the reflux incline.
Firm mattresses are one of the most important features to look out for when choosing the crib. Mattresses with soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm will be more beneficial for your baby's health, since it is more comfortable and encourages healthy spinal development.
You can purchase an individual crib mattress however we recommend purchasing a top quality model to ensure that your little one will get the best quality sleep possible. Check that the mattress meets British safety standards and is the correct size for your child.
If you're considering buying a cot bed for your bed it's worth doing some research to make sure you're getting the best deal. Black Friday is a great occasion to buy cribs at a bargain. Remember that you should always purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are safe and meet the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet that is attached to the sides of your bed. These cribs are ideal to keep your baby close so that you can reach them easily for evening feedings and help them back to sleep during nap time. They're also great for mothers who have had c-sections and struggle to get up in the middle night to look after their baby.
There are many different styles available, but you should look for the following qualities:
How easy it is to keep clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is a machine washable mattress cover essential? What size is the bed and can you adjust it to make it more suitable? How much does it weigh and is it easy to move around your home, especially when you intend to use it in more than one room at one time?
Jasmine who was a mom 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, saying 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 baby. It's also easy to build and can be folded flat, making it easy to carry. It was quite heavy for some moms, which could be a problem for those with mobility problems.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you can look into. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. This crib is different from others in that it doesn't include a drop-down panel and instead has an adjustable side you can lower so that you can reach your baby. It's not as compact like other cribs however, it's still mobile and comes with a bag that makes it easy to store.
Some cribs can be transformed into a cot or toddler using an expansion kit. This can be a beneficial feature for families planning to extend the life of their baby's sleep space long past the infant stage, but isn't always required.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use are ones that sit right next to your bed, so you can watch your baby and attend to night feeds and nappy changes without getting out of your own bed. They'll typically have sides that fold or zip down easily so you can reach over in the dark to scoop them up and they'll be breathable to ensure comfort. The majority will have beds, which are ideal as you do not want it to be too hard or clumpy.
The cost of more complicated models will likely be more expensive. Be sure to consider whether the crib will fit your bed or not. Some cribs may only fit a certain type of divan base. This could be a problem if you own a bedframe that is unique.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great choice for those with divan beds, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's well-made with high-quality mesh sides that let you see the baby's face. Our mum testers gave it a thumbs up. It also comes with a handy storage shelf for blankets and nappies and is light at 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is a different option. It comes in many colors and our moms are in love with it. The SnuzPod4 is a slim, sleek option that still offers plenty of space for babies to sleep comfortably. Our moms are also impressed by features like incline options that aid in reflux, as well as a relaxing rocking mechanism.
Both these cribs are available for PS99 or less, which makes them more affordable than a Moses basket for those trying to save money on an initial purchase. Always remember to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping though, and check whether the crib you purchase conforms to the Lullaby Trust code for safety.