Miranda Brandow

Bedside Cot Crib

A bedside cot crib allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your infant without putting your baby at risk of overheating or the risk of suffocation. It is designed to be attached to the side of your bed, they're particularly beneficial for mothers of c-sections who find getting out of bed difficult.

MFM home tester Emily found this crib simple to put together and loved the mesh window to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It can be folded flat and stowed into a convenient travel bag.

Safety

A bedside crib is an innovative crib that is seamlessly connected to the parents bed to provide a comfortable way for parents to care for their baby during the night. This crib lets them reach their baby easily so they can feed or comfort their child without having to leave bed, which is very beneficial for parents who suffer from sleep apnea during those first few months. It also aids in promoting the development of a healthy baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment.

A quality bedside crib will have a an extremely strong connection and a non-slip design for the bed's foot which reduces the chance of accidents that could result in harm to your baby. They also meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130, which ensures your baby is secure and protected while they sleep. Check that the mattress you have in your crib is firm and not squishy. Also, check for any gaps or holes that could increase your child's danger of suffocation.

It is also recommended to avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers in your child's crib unless they are designed specifically to be used in conjunction with a cot or a crib because they could be an immediate danger and not be safe. You should also make sure that any toys or other items 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 certain piece of equipment, you can always ask other parents in a NCT group or Bedside Cot Crib 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. Check the crib for damage prior to purchasing it.

A bassinet is another option. It is similar to a crib, but is usually fixed to your bed. It does not have legs. They're great for newborns and Bedside Cot Crib are especially beneficial for those recovering from a C-section because they're the perfect way to keep your baby close close to you at all times.

Size

Keep baby right next to you in the evening with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. This innovative crib comes with a variety of features that will allow you to bond with your newborn bedside cot and soothe them. It is perfect for midnight feedings as well as cuddles and comfort check-ups. Simply raise or lower the side rail of the crib with just one hand to soothe and comfort your little one or for secure sleep monitoring. It has a gentle rocking function and an incline feature that can alleviate symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.

It has a large storage compartment underneath the crib, ideal for nappies and blankets. It's designed to be compatible with divan beds (check the specs as some may require straps that are longer) So you don't need to worry about the frame of your bed. Gulhan Arapoglu stated that it was a good size, sturdy, and easy to move from room to room. She also said it's a little heavier than other cribs for bed however this is due to the extra features such as a rocking mode and reflux incline.

One of the most important things to look for in a crib is its firm mattress. Mattresses that are soft can increase the chance of SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress will also be better for your baby, as it is more comfortable and encourages healthy spinal development.

You can purchase an individual crib mattress, but we recommend purchasing a top quality model to ensure that your little one will get the best quality sleep possible. Be sure that the mattress meets British safety standards and is the right size for your child.

If you're considering buying a bedside cot crib it's a good idea to do some careful shopping around to ensure you're getting the best price. Making use of Black Friday sales is a excellent option to save money on these useful cribs. But remember that it's recommended to purchase a crib from the manufacturer directly, so you are certain of its quality and ensure that it meets the required safety standards.

Style

A bedside crib is an attached bassinet to your bed. These cribs are great for keeping your baby close enough to access them easily for evening feedings and help them back to sleep during nap time. They're also a blessing for mums recovering from c-section births, who might struggle to get out of bed to look after their baby in the middle of the night.

There are a variety of styles to choose from however, you should search for the following characteristics:

Can it be cleaned with a machine or does it require an easy-to-clean mattress cover? How big is the bed and can you raise or lower it to make it more suitable? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?

Mum test-taker Jasmine particularly loved the fact that this crib can swivel, which made it easier to reach in and out of to grab her newborn. She also admired the size of it, saying it's not as big as a full-sized crib but it's larger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also easy to assemble and folds flat for easy transport. Some mothers found it to be a little heavy, but this could be a problem for those with mobility issues.

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. The crib differs from the rest because it doesn't have a drop down panel however it does have an adjustable side you can lower to allow you to reach your baby. It's not quite as compact as other bedside cribs, but it is still mobile and comes with an included travel bedside crib bag.

Other cribs are designed to be converted into a toddler bed or cot with an expansion kit. This feature is useful for families who wish to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the newborn bedside cot stage. However, it is not always necessary.

Budget

The best cribs for bedside use can be placed right next to your bed, so that you can watch your baby and take care of night feeds and nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. They'll usually have sides that fold or zip down easily, to allow you to reach over in the dark to pick them up, and they should also be breathable for comfort. Most will come with mattresses, which are crucial since you want it to be a bit firm and flat instead of extremely soft or lumpy.

The cost of more complex models will likely be more expensive. Consider whether the crib is designed to fit your own bed or not. Some cribs may only work with a particular type of divan base, which can be a problem if you have a more unusual bedframe.

The popular Next2me Magic crib is a good option for those who have a divan bed, and was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. Our mum testers have given it a thumbs up, stating that it's well-made with mesh sides that allow you to see baby's face through. It also has a convenient storage shelf to store nappies and blankets, and is relatively lightweight at 10kg.

Another option is the SnuzPod4, available in a range of colours, and our mums have been very pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim and sleek design that provides plenty of room for baby to rest comfortably. Our mums also love the features like incline options, which help with reflux, as well as a soothing, rocking mechanism.

Both cribs can be purchased for PS99 or under, making them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you're looking to cut costs on the initial cost. Always follow the safe guidelines for sleeping and make sure the crib you select is secure.