Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside crib allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your infant without the risk of overheating or even death by suffocation. It is designed to be attached to the side of your bed, they're useful for mothers who are finding getting out of bed painful.
MFM home tester Emily found this crib to be easy to put together, and loved the mesh window to allow for airflow and visibility for babies. It folds flat and can be put into a an ideal travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib is a unique crib that connects seamlessly to the parents bed to provide a comfortable method for parents to take care of their infant at night. This crib allows them to access their child easily so that they can feed or soothe them without leaving the bed, which is useful for new parents suffering from sleep apnea during those first few months. It also assists in encouraging the development of a healthy baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.
A high-quality bedside cot crib should have a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the foot of the bed that reduces the risk of accidents that could result in harm to your baby. The cribs also have safety standards such as BS EN 1130, which ensures that your baby is secure and safe when they sleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress included in your crib is firm, not soft, and check for any gaps which could increase your baby's risk of suffocation, or entrapment.
Also, you should be wary of using duvets, pillows, or baby bumpers in your child's crib unless they're designed specifically to be used in conjunction with a cot or a crib because they could be an immediate danger and not meet safety standards. Also, make sure that any playthings your child plays with in the crib is securely attached and doesn't extend too far.
If you're unsure about a 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 brand new and meets current safety standards, not second-hand or used cribs. If you're planning to purchase an older crib, make sure you examine it thoroughly for any damages and ensure that all parts are there before you buy it.
Another option is to invest in the bassinet, which is like a cot, but typically fixes to your bed and doesn't have legs. They are great for babies and are especially beneficial if you're recovering from a C section, since they're a great option to keep your baby close and close to you at all times.
Size
Keep baby right next to you at night with the Sweet2Sleep bedside crib. Perfect for feeding your baby at night or heartfelt cuddles, as well as check-ups on your comfort while you're cosy in your own bed, this clever crib is loaded with features to help you bond and soothe your baby. Simply lift or lower the side rail of the crib using one hand to soothe and comfort your baby or for secure sleep monitoring. It also features a soft rocking mode and an incline function to alleviate symptoms of reflux, like indigestion or tummy pain.
It comes with a huge storage compartment underneath the crib, which is ideal for nappies and blankets. It's also designed to fit divan beds, so you won't have to worry about your frame. Gulhan Arapoglu claimed that it was a good size, sturdy, and easy to move from room to room. She adds that it's a bit heavier than other cribs for bed but that's because of the extra features, like the rocking mode and the reflux incline.
One of the most important aspects to look for in a crib is its firm mattress. This helps reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as soft mattresses increase the chance of being suffocated. A mattress that is firm is better for your child as it's more comfortable and aids in healthy growth of the spine.
You can buy the crib mattress separately. We recommend to purchase an excellent mattress to give your baby the best sleep possible. Verify that the mattress meets British safety standards and is the right size for your baby.
It's worth shopping around for the best price in case you're thinking about buying a crib for your bed. Black Friday is a great opportunity to purchase these cribs at a discount. Make sure you purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are secure and meet the safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a bassinet to your bed. These cribs are great to keep your baby close enough to access them easily for night feedings and soothe them back into sleep during nap time. They're also a blessing for mums recovering from c-section births, who can find it difficult to get up to take care of their child during the night.
There are a variety of styles to choose from 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 size is the mattress and can it be raised or lower to fit your bed? How bedside crib or cot does it weigh and is it easy to move around your home, particularly in the event that you plan to use it in more than one room at a time?
Jasmine as a mother test subject, was pleased that the crib rotates. This made it easier for her to reach in and out of it to take her baby. She also liked the size, saying that it is not as big as a full-sized baby crib but it is larger than the standard Moses baskets. It is also comfortable for her baby. It's also simple to assemble and folds flat for easy transportation. Some mums found it somewhat heavy, however, which could be a problem for those with mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option to consider. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. This crib is different from other cribs in that it doesn't include a drop-down panel however it does have an adjustable side that you can lower so that you can reach your baby. It's not as compact when dismantled as other cribs for bed however, it's still lightweight and comes with a travel bag that makes it easy to store.
Some cribs can convert into a toddler bed or cot by using an expansion kit. This feature is useful for families looking to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the infant stage. However, it's not always necessary.
Budget
The best cribs for beds can be placed right next to your bed, so you can keep an eye on baby and take care of the needs of feeding and changing nappies without getting out of bed. It is easy to fold or zip the sides so you can reach them in the dark. They should also be breathable in order to give you a comfortable sleep. Most will come with a bed, which is ideal because you don't want it to be too hard or clumpy.
It is also important to consider the ease of build - some cribs are more simple than others, and the more complex models costing more. Consider whether the crib will fit your bed or not. Some may only work with a specific type of divan base, which can be a problem if have a more unusual bedframe.
The Next2me Magic crib that is popular with parents who have a divan, is a great choice for those who already have one. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Award in the category of Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. Our mom testers have given it a thumbs up, stating that it's well-made with high mesh sides that you can see your baby's face through. It also comes with a useful storage shelf to store nappies and blankets and is light at 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is a different option. It is available in a variety of colors, and our mothers enjoy it. They appreciate the simplicity of it, and how it's sleek, yet it offers ample space for babies to sleep comfortably, and they are enthralled by the extra features, such as incline options to help with reflux, as well as an energizing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be bought at PS99 or less, which makes them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you are looking to save on the initial cost of your purchase. Always follow the safe sleeping guidelines and ensure that the crib you pick is safe.