Bedside Crib and Cot

A bedside crib or cot can be easily reached for night feedings and soothing. The majority of cribs can be adjusted in height, and a firm mattress that is flat and breathable. This will allow your baby to sleep safely and comfortably.

Mum tester Jasmin appreciated this crib's size It's bigger than typical Moses baskets, but not too large. She also appreciated the mesh windows that are multiple and the 30-second open-fold mechanism.

Easy access

A bedside crib (also known as a bedside bassinet or a co-sleeper) is a specially-designed sleep solution that allows parents to keep their children close, without the dangers associated with co-sleeping. It can be particularly helpful for mothers who have had C-sections as they recover, and will aid them in getting into the swing with their baby.

While it's a great method to teach sharing the space with your baby however, you should be aware of certain things when buying one. As a general rule it is best to ensure the crib has a 12cm barrier or wall to prevent your baby from rolling out and over onto your side of the bed. It should have a drop-down side that is easy to reach so that you can reach your baby at any time during the night, be it to comfort or feed.

The most highly-rated crib we've found is the SnuzPod 4, which is an extremely popular product worldwide due to its Scandi-inspired design and a variety of features, including the "ComfortAir" technology that assists in regulating the temperature and increase airflow. The HALO BassiNest Essentia is also a popular option. It features a swiveling sleeping area and the sidewall can be easily removed so that you can reach in to pick baby up or soothe them. The Joie Roomie Glide has an easily collapsed side, which means you can simply push it down with your hand and then it automatically returns to its upright position.

The cribs we have reviewed here can be easily placed beside your bed. They also comply with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards, which have higher standards for this type of crib. There are some cribs on the market that do not conform to these standards, but as manufacturers replace older models with newer safer ones, they will slowly disappear from stores. Make sure that the crib you're thinking of purchasing meets the new safety requirement to be safe.

Safety

Providing a safe and secure sleeping environment is vital for your baby's wellbeing and health. Look for cribs or cots that meet NHS safety standards and have been endorsed by childcare professionals, such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs provide a secure and practical sleeping solution that allows parents to keep their infant close to them, encouraging bonding and reassuring the baby that they're not in danger.

When you're looking for a bedside crib bassinet, or cot, be sure it has a firm mattress, and there are no gaps that could result in an entrapment or suffocation. Make sure the crib frame is sturdy and the slats do not exceed 3/8 inches. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with EN 16890 and that it has been tested to ensure strength, stability and firmness.

It is also recommended to avoid putting any items to your newborn's crib that increase the risk of suffocation, entrapment or strangulation, such as pillows, blankets and stuffed animals except if they're designed for sleeping. Also, avoid any sleep wedges, or positioners because they're not scientifically proven to improve sleep and could pose a risk to your baby.

It's a good idea to buy a crib that has fixed sides, as opposed to those with drop sides, since these are considered safer. It's also worth avoiding cribs with mobiles attached because they could pose strangulation and choke risk when the cord or string gets caught around your baby's neck.

Be certain to verify the crib's hardware free of sharp edges which could hurt or scratch your baby. Make sure that the crib bedding and mattress is properly secured and there aren't any broken or loose screws or brackets. You should also look for a JPMA Certification seal, since this indicates that the crib has been tested and has met the highest safety standards in the industry. Search for the seal on JPMA Certification Directory by selecting a category for the product.

Practicality

If you'd like to be close to your baby but don't want to share the same bed the bedside crib is a great alternative. Also known as co-sleepers or bassinets at the bedside, these babies are attached to the sides of the parents' bed and provide them with a private place to rest but being within reach for night feedings and providing comfort. This close proximity helps strengthen the bond between the parent and child, and also promotes healthy sleeping patterns and parents who are able to react quickly to any waking needs throughout the night.

Many cribs come with a side panel that can be removed and kept down at night so that you can see your baby and easily raise them up towards you for feeding, changing nappy or just for calming. Some cribs even have a mesh wall that zips down and can be zipped up and then tucked into the mattress to provide extra security, removing the possibility of stray duvets or blankets falling over your baby. The SnuzPod 4 for instance has a breathable fabric that increases airflow, reducing the chance of suffocation.

It is possible to attach the majority of cribs to your mattress or bed using straps. However, you must check that the straps included with the crib will be able to fit your bed frame. This is especially crucial if you have a divan-style bed. Some cribs can also be folded and put away when not in use which makes them a great choice for travel cot bedside too.

Some cribs can be used on their own, allowing you to move them around the room if needed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the day, encouraging bonding and socialisation. Some cribs can be utilized by themselves, which means you can move them around the room as needed and keep your baby close throughout the day too to encourage bonding and socialisation. They're also a great way to help your baby feel more independent, as they'll begin to sleep without you at their side and will establish a routine for self-sleeping.

Space

Bedside cribs are a secure and practical method of co-sleeping. You can see and reach your child without leaving your bed. Some cribs also have incline settings that help with reflux and congestion as well as under-seat storage for wipes and muslin squares. Always use a mattress designed for your bedside cot for twins crib as second-hand mattresses are more likely to be too flat or worn out, increasing the risk of SIDS.

In addition to providing easy access for night feedings and feedings, bedside cribs are ideal for mums recovering from a C-section since they can be used even when lying down. They can also assist your baby adjust to sleeping in their own crib and develop independence, while the barrier they create between your bed and theirs decreases the risk of suffocation.

There are a variety of options available, from budget-friendly models to top-of-the-line models. Some cribs are smaller and fold up to be stored away, while others come with a travel cot bedside bag so you can take them out on weekends. You should also consider the size of your bedroom and if the crib will fit. keep in mind that your baby might outgrow it sooner than you expect so don't make your choice too small.

If you're looking for a crib easier to assemble and is more affordable, the Cozee XL is one of the easiest cribs to build during MFM tests and features a smart oak base. It has an anti-reflux option as well as a side panel which opens and is easy to clean. It's suitable for all beds, but it could be difficult to put in the divan if it's slightly different.

Chicco's bedside crib is stylish and includes an adjustable mattress, a carry bag, and a chic design. Its unique design features an open base that increases airflow, and it has various height adjustments to accommodate your growing baby. It is also easy to clean, and comes with a handy under-seat storage space for nappies and wipes.