Bedside Cot Crib

A bedside cot crib lets you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without the risk of overheating or even the risk of suffocation. It is designed to be attached to the side of your bed, they're beneficial for mothers of c-sections who are finding getting out of bed a challenge.

MFM home test Emily found this bedside crib simple to put together and loved the mesh window for breathability and baby visibility. It folds flat and put into bags for travel bedside crib.

Safety

A crib that is bedside is an innovative crib which connects seamlessly to parents' beds to give them a convenient way to care for their baby during the night. The crib lets parents easily reach their baby so that they can comfort or feed them without leaving bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are new and may be suffering from sleep deprivation in the beginning of their pregnancy. It also aids in promoting a healthy growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.

A good quality bedside cot crib should have a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the bed's foot which reduces the chance of accidents which could cause injury to your baby. The cribs also have safety standards such as BS EN 1130, which assures your baby is secure and safe while they sleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress you get with your crib is firm, not soft, and check for any gaps which could increase your baby's risk of suffocation, or entrapment.

Avoid using pillows, duvets or baby bumpers to your baby's crib, unless they were intended to be used in conjunction with a crib. They can pose an extremely risk to safety and might not be up to 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 unsure about a particular piece of equipment, you can always consult other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for suggestions, and make sure you look for a product that is brand new and complies with current safety standards, not second-hand or used cribs. If you're looking to purchase a crib that is used, be sure to examine it thoroughly for any damage and make sure all the parts are there before purchasing it.

Another alternative is to purchase an infant bassinet. It's similar to a cot, but usually is attached to your bed and does not have legs. These are perfect for newborns, and are great when you are recovering from the c-section. They keep your baby close to you all the time.

Size

Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib travel crib allows you to keep your baby close by during the night. Perfect for midnight feeds or heartfelt cuddles, as well as comfort checks while you are cosy in your own bed, this clever crib is loaded with features to help you bond with and soothe your baby. It is easy to raise or lower the side rail of the crib with just one hand, to soothe and comfort your child or to monitor your child's sleep. It also features a soft rocking mode and incline function to ease the symptoms of reflux, including stomach pain or indigestion.

It comes with a huge storage area underneath the crib that is ideal for nappies and blankets. It's also designed to fit divan beds, so you won't have to worry about the frame. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size and sturdy and easy to move around from room to room. She also said that it's a little heavier than other cribs for beds, but this is due to the additional features like a rocking mode or reflux incline.

Mattresses that are firm are among the most important features to look for when selecting the crib. Soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress is also better for your child as it is more comfortable and helps support healthy spinal growth.

You can buy the crib mattress separately. We recommend that you invest in the best quality mattress to give your baby the best quality sleep. Be sure that the mattress meets British safety standards and is the correct size for your child.

If you're considering buying a bedside cot crib it's a good idea to do some research to ensure that you're getting the best price. Black Friday is a great time to buy these cribs at a discount. But remember that it's best to buy a crib from the manufacturer directly so that you can be sure of its quality and that it meets the necessary safety standards.

Style

A twin bedside cot crib is a bassinet to your bed. They're perfect for keeping your newborn close to you so you can easily reach them during night feedings or soothe them back to sleep during nap time. They're also a blessing for mums recovering from c-section births, who can find it difficult to get out of bed to tend to their baby in the middle of the night.

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

How easy is it to keep 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 adjusted to fit your bed? What is the weight and is it easy to move around your home, especially if you plan to use it in more than one room at the same time?

Mum test-taker Jasmine particularly loved the fact that the crib can swivel, which made it easier to reach in and out of to grab her baby. She also liked the size of it, saying it's not as large as a traditional crib, but is bigger than typical Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also simple to put together and can be folded flat, making it easy to transport. It was a bit heavy for some moms who were carrying it around, which could be a problem for those who have mobility issues.

Another option to consider is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. It's different from other cribs for bed in that it doesn't have a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that can be lower to make it easier for baby to reach. It's not as compact when dismantled like other cribs however it's quite lightweight and comes with a bag for easy storage.

Other cribs are designed to be converted into a toddler bed or cot by using an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families who wish to increase their baby's sleeping space beyond the infant stage. However, it's not always needed.

Budget

The best cribs for bedside use are ones that are placed near your bed, so that you can look after your baby, change nappys in the evening, and feed your baby without having to get up from your bed. You can easily fold or zip the sides so you can grab them in the dark. They must also be breathable to offer comfort. Many will come with mattresses, which is crucial since you want it to be firm and flat instead of soft or lumpy.

You should also factor in the ease of assemble - some are much easier than others, with the more complicated models likely costing more. Be sure to consider whether the crib will fit your bed or not. Some cribs are only suitable for with a specific type of divan base. This could be a problem for you if you have a bedframe that is more unusual.

The Next2me Magic crib which is popular with those who own a divan, is a great option for those who already own one. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the category of the best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. Our mums who have tested it have given it a positive review, saying that it's well-made with high mesh sides, which you can see your baby's face through. It also has a convenient storage shelf for blankets and nappies and is surprisingly light at just 10kg.

Another good option is the SnuzPod4, which is available in a range of colours, and our mums have been very pleased with it too. They like the simplicity of it, and how it's sleek, yet it offers ample space for their baby to rest comfortably. And they love the additional features, like an incline option to aid with reflux and a soothing rocking mechanism.

Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less, which makes them a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket when you're looking to reduce the cost of an initial purchase. Always follow safe sleeping guidelines and make sure the crib you pick is safe.