Blog entry by Lorrine Trudeau
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 helpful for c-section mums who find getting out of bed a challenge.
MFM home test Emily found this bedside crib easy to assemble, and loved the mesh windows for breathability and baby visibility. It folds flat and stored in bags for travel.
Safety
A bedside crib is an innovative crib that connects seamlessly to the parents' bed to provide a comfortable method for parents to take care of their baby at night. This crib allows parents to easily reach their infant so that they can soothe or feed them while they are in bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are new and may suffer from sleep deprivation in the beginning of their pregnancy. It promotes healthy growth for the baby by creating a safe and comfortable environment.
A top-quality bedside crib will have a solid connection and an anti-slip design on the foot of the bed. This helps reduce the chance of accidents that could hurt your baby. They also meet safety standards, such as BS EN 1130:2019, which helps to ensure your baby is safe and secure while they're asleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress that comes with your crib is firm, not soft, and look for any gaps which could increase your baby's risk of suffocation or entrapment.
Also, you should avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers in your baby's crib unless they are designed specifically for use with a cot or crib because they could be a serious hazard and may not be safe. It is also important to ensure that any toy your baby utilizes in the crib are securely attached and doesn't extend out too far.
Ask other parents for advice in case you are uncertain about a piece of equipment. Also, look for products that are modern and meet current safety standards rather than those that were passed down or used. Examine the crib for any damage prior to purchasing it.
A bassinet is another option. It's similar to a crib however, it is typically attached to your bed. It does not have legs. They're great for newborns and are especially beneficial when you're recovering from a C section, because they're the perfect option to keep your baby close close to you throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close by during the night. This clever crib has many features that can aid you in bonding with your newborn and calm them. It is perfect for midnight feedings cuddles, cuddles, and comfort checks. It is easy to raise or lower the crib's side rail with only one hand, to help soothe and comfort your child for a safe way to monitor sleep. It comes with a gentle rocking function and an incline feature to aid in relieving symptoms like indigestion and stomach pain.
It has a huge storage area underneath the crib that's perfect for nappies and blankets. And it's designed to be compatible with divan beds (check the specs because some might require longer straps) and you don't have to worry about the frame of your bed. Gulhan Arapoglu claimed that it was a good size, sturdy and easy to move from room room. She also says that it's a little heavier than other bedside cribs however this is because of the additional features, such as a rocking mode or reflux incline.
Mattresses that are firm are among the most important aspects to look for when selecting the crib. This reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) because mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of suffocation. A firm mattress will also be healthier for your baby's health, since it is more comfortable and encourages healthy spinal development.
You can buy an individual crib mattress however we recommend investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your little one gets the best rest possible. Be sure that the mattress meets British safety standards and is the right size for your child.
If you're thinking of buying a bedside cot crib it's worth doing an extensive search to ensure you're getting the best deal. Making use of Black Friday sales is a excellent method to save on these cribs. Make sure you buy cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are secure and meet the safety standards.
Style
A bedside travel crib crib is a bassinet to your bed. These cribs are great for keeping your baby close so that you can reach them easily for evening feedings and help them back into sleep during nap time. These are also great for mums who have had c-sections but struggle to get up in the middle night to take care of their newborn.
There's a variety of different styles to choose from, but some features that you may want to look out for include:
Can it be cleaned by machine or do you need an unwashable mattress cover? How big is the bed and can you raise or lower it to accommodate? How much does it weigh and is it easy to move around your home, particularly when you intend to use it in more than one room at a time?
Jasmine, a mum tester, loved that the crib rotates. This made it easier for her to reach into and out of it to take her baby. She also appreciated the size, stating that it is not as large bedside crib as a standard crib for babies, but it is larger than the standard Moses baskets. It is also comfortable for her infant. It's also simple to build and can be folded flat, making it easy to carry. It was a bit heavy for some mothers and could be an issue for those who have mobility issues.
Another option to think about is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. This is different from other bedside cribs in that it doesn't have a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that can be lowered to reach baby. It's not as compact when dismantled like other cribs however it's quite lightweight and comes with a travel bag that makes it easy to store.
Some cribs can be transformed to a toddler cot bedside or a cot with the help of an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families who want to expand their baby's sleeping space beyond the baby stage. However, it is not always necessary.
Budget
The best bedside cribs are those that are close to your bed so that you can look after your baby, change diapers in the evening, and feed your baby without having to get up from your 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 for your comfort. A lot of them will have mattresses, which is crucial since you want it to be firm and flat, not extremely soft or clumpy.
The price of more complicated models will be more expensive. Consider whether the crib is made to fit your own bed or not. Certain cribs can only be fitted to a certain type of divan base. This could be a problem if have a bedframe that is more unusual.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great choice for those with divan beds, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the The Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It was well-made and has a high mesh side to let you see the baby's face. Our mum testers liked it and gave it a thumbs-up. It also has a convenient storage shelf for blankets and nappies, and is relatively lightweight at 10kg.
The SnuzPod4 is an alternative. It comes in many colors, and our mothers are in love with it. The SnuzPod4 is a slim and sleek design that provides plenty of space for babies to relax comfortably. Our mothers are also awed by features such as incline options that aid in reflux, and a soothing, rocking mechanism.
Both these cribs are available for PS99 or less, which makes them a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket for those looking to save money on your initial investment. You should always remember to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping however, and ensure whether the crib you purchase is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.