Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs let you to co-sleep safely with your baby without risk of overheating or suffocation. Designed to attach to the sides of your bed, they're particularly beneficial for mothers of c-sections who find getting out of bed difficult.
Emily, a MFM home tester, found the bedside crib easy to assemble and liked the mesh windows that allow for airflow and a clear view of the baby. It can be folded flat and stored in an easy-to-travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib is a unique crib that is seamlessly connected to the parents' bed to provide a comfortable method for parents to take care of their baby at night. The crib lets parents easily reach their child so that they can soothe or feed them while they are in bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who be suffering from sleep deprivation in the first few months. It also helps to promote the growth of the baby by providing a secure and comfortable sleep environment.
A high-quality bedside crib will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design at the foot of the bed. This helps to reduce the chance of accidents that could hurt your baby. They also have to meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure your baby is secure and safe when they sleep. You should also ensure the mattress included in your crib is firm, not soft, and also look for any gaps which could increase your baby's danger of suffocation or getting trapped.
Avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers to your baby's crib except if they were specifically designed to be used with a crib. They could pose an extremely risk to safety and might not meet the required safety standards. Also, make sure that any toy your baby uses in the crib is securely attached and does not extend out too far.
If you're not sure about a particular piece of equipment, you can ask other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for help, and make sure you search for a product that is brand new and complies with current safety standards, instead of second-hand or used cribs. Check the crib for damage prior to purchasing it.
A bassinet is an alternative. It is like a crib but it is typically attached to your bed. It does not have legs. These are ideal for newborns and are especially beneficial when you're recovering from a C-section, as they're a perfect way to keep your baby close by your side throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close by during the night. This crib is a clever design with many features that help you bond with your baby and soothe them. It is ideal for nighttime feedings, cuddles, and comfort check-ups. Simply raise or lower the side rail of the crib using one hand to calm and comfort your little one or for secure monitoring of sleep. It also has a gentle rocking mode as well as an incline function to ease the symptoms of reflux, such as stomach pain or indigestion.
It has a huge storage area underneath the crib that's perfect for nappies or blankets. It's designed to work with divan beds (check the specifications as some may require longer straps), so you don't have to worry about your bed frame. Gulhan Arapoglu claimed that it was an ideal size, strong and easy to move from room to room. She adds that it's a bit heavier than other cribs for bed but that's due to the extra features such as a rocking mode and reflux upwards.
Mattresses that are firm are among the most important things to look for when choosing a crib. This can reduce the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood of suffocation. A firm mattress is also an ideal choice for your baby since it's more comfortable and supports healthy growth of the spine.
You can purchase a crib mattress on its own however we recommend buying a high-end 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 right size for your child.
It's worthwhile to shop around for the best price if you're considering buying an upholstered crib. Taking advantage of Black Friday sales is a great way to save money on these practical cribs. Remember that you should always purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are safe and meet the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is an attached bassinet to your bed. They're ideal to keep your newborn close to you, so you can easily reach them for night feedings or soothe them back to sleep during nap times. They are also ideal for mums who have had csections and are unable to get up in the middle of the night to look after their newborn.
There's a variety of different styles to choose from, but some features you should look out for include:
Can it be cleaned by machine or does it require a hand-washable mattress cover? How big is the mattress and can it be raised or adjusted to fit your bed? What's the weight 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 as a mother tester, liked 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 its size, saying it's not as large as a full-sized crib but is bigger than the standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also simple to put together and folds flat, which makes it easy to transport. It was quite heavy for some moms who were carrying it around, which could be an issue for those who have mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you could consider. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. This crib is different from other bedside cribs in that it doesn't come with an adjustable panel, but instead an adjustable side that can be lower to make it easier for baby to reach. It's not as compact as other cribs for bed, but it's still fairly lightweight and comes with a travel bag that makes it easy to store.
Some cribs can transform into a toddler bed or cot using an expansion kit. This can be a beneficial option for families looking to extend the lifespan of their baby's sleeping space far beyond the infant stage, but isn't always necessary.
Budget
The best cribs for beds will sit right by your bed, so that you can watch baby and tend to the needs of feeding and changing nappies without having to get out of bed. They'll typically have sides that fold or zip down easily to allow you to reach over in the dark to pick them up and they'll be breathable for your comfort. Most will come with mattresses, which are crucial since you need it to be firm and flat instead of soft or lumpy.
You must also consider the ease of assemble - some are much simpler than others, with the more complicated models likely costing more. Also, think about whether the crib is made to fit your own bed or not. Some cribs are only compatible with a specific kind of divan base, and this could be a problem if you have a bed that is more unique.
The Next2me Magic crib, which is popular with those who have a divan, is a great choice for those who already have one. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Award in the category of the best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-constructed and has a high mesh side that let you see the baby's face. twin bedside cot liked it and gave it a thumbs-up. It has a shelf that can be used for nappies or blankets, and weighs just 10kg.
Another alternative is the SnuzPod4, available in a variety of colors and our mothers have been extremely pleased with it too. They love the design, which is slim and sleek, yet it offers plenty of space for baby to rest comfortably. And they are enthralled by the extra features, like an incline option to aid with reflux and a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be purchased at PS99 or less, which makes them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you're trying to save money on the initial cost. Always follow the safe sleeping guidelines and make sure the crib you select is secure.