Bedside Cot Crib

Bedside cot cribs let you to co-sleep safely with your baby without the risk of suffocation or overheating. Designed to attach to the side of your bed, they're especially helpful for c-section mums who are unable to get out of bed painful.

MFM home test Emily found this crib simple to put together and loved the mesh window to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It folds flat, and fits into an ideal travel bag.

Safety

A bedside travel cot crib is an innovative crib that connects seamlessly to the parents' bed to provide a comfortable way for parents to take care of their baby during the night. This crib allows them to reach their baby easily so they can feed or soothe their child without having to leave the bed, which is beneficial for parents suffering from sleep deprivation during those first few months. It also helps to promote the growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable environment for sleeping.

A high-quality bedside crib will have a a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the mattress's foot, which helps to reduce the chance of accidents which could cause injury to your baby. They also meet safety standards like BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure that your child is safe and secure when they're asleep. Make sure the mattress that comes in your crib is firm and not squishy. Also, check for any gaps or holes that could increase your child's danger of suffocation.

Avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers for your baby's crib, unless they were intended to be used in conjunction with a crib. They can be an extremely risk to safety, and may not meet the safety standards. You should also ensure that any playthings your child plays with in the crib is securely attached and doesn't protrude out too far.

If you're not sure about a piece of equipment, you can always ask other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for advice and choose a crib that is brand new and meets current safety standards, instead of second-hand or hand-me-downs. Examine the crib for any damage prior to purchasing it.

Another alternative is to buy the bassinet, which is like a cot, but typically fixes to your bed and does not have legs. They are great for newborns, and are great if you are recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you at all times.

Size

Keep your baby close to you during the night with the Sweet2Sleep crib for bedside. Perfect for feeding your baby at night or heartfelt cuddles, as well as check-ups on your comfort while you're cozy in your bed, this clever crib is packed with features to help you bond with and soothe your baby. 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 soft rocking functions and an incline function to aid in relieving symptoms like stomach pain and indigestion.

It comes with a huge storage space underneath the crib, which is perfect for nappies and blankets. It's designed to fit divan beds, so you won't have to worry about your frame. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, sturdy and easy to move from room to room. She added that it's a little heavier than other cribs for bed however this is due to the additional features like an adjustable rocking mode as well as a reflux upwards.

One of the most important things to look for in a crib is a mattress that is firm. This helps reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) since mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood of the suffocation. A firm mattress is also an ideal choice for your baby as it is more comfortable and helps support healthy spinal growth.

You can buy a crib mattress separately. We recommend that you purchase an excellent mattress to give your baby the best possible rest. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with British safety regulations and is the right size for your child.

If you're considering purchasing a bedside cot for bedside crib (Instructure explained in a blog post), it's worth doing some careful shopping around to ensure you're getting the best price. Black Friday is a great occasion to buy these cribs at a discount. Just remember that it's still recommended to purchase a crib from the manufacturer directly so that you are certain of its high-quality and that it meets the necessary safety standards.

Style

A bedside cot bed crib is an attached bassinet that you can place next to your bed. They're great to keep your baby close to you so you can easily reach them during night feedings or to soothe them to sleep during nap time. They're also a blessing for mothers recovering from c-section births, who can be unable to get up to tend to their baby in the middle of the night.

There are a wide variety of different styles to choose from, but some of the features that you might like to look for are:

Can it be cleaned with a machine or does it require an easy-to-clean mattress cover? How big is the mattress and can it be raised or lower to accommodate your bed? How much does it weigh and is it easy to move around your home, particularly if you plan to use it in more than one room at a time?

Jasmine as a mother tester, liked 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 of the crib, saying it's not as large bedside crib as a standard crib, but is bigger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for baby. It's also simple to build and folds flat, which makes it easy to move. It was somewhat heavy for some moms who were carrying it around, which could be a problem for those with 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 crib is distinct from other cribs for beds in that it does not have a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that can be lowered to reach baby. It's not as compact as other cribs, but it's still transportable and comes with a travel bag.

Other cribs are designed to transform into a toddler bed or cot with an expansion kit. This is a great option for families planning to extend the life of their baby's bed well beyond the infant stage, but it's not always required.

Budget

The best bedside cot cribs for bedside use are ones that sit right next to your bed, so that you can keep an eye on baby and take care of feedings at night and changing nappy without needing to get out of bed. They'll usually have sides that fold or zip down easily, so you can reach up in the dark to pick them up, and they should also be breathable to ensure comfort. Many will come with mattresses, which is crucial because you need it to be firm and flat, not extremely soft or clumpy.

You must also consider how easy it is to build - some cribs are more simple than others, and the more complex models costing more. Consider 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 an issue if you have a unique bed frame.

The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great option for those who have divan beds. It was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's well-made and has a high mesh side to let you see the baby's face. Our mom testers gave it a thumbs up. It also comes with a useful storage shelf for nappies and blankets and is light at just 10kg.

Another option is the SnuzPod4, which is available in a range of colours and our moms have been very pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim and elegant option that offers plenty of space for babies to rest comfortably. Our mums also love the features such as incline options that aid in reflux, as well as a soothing, rocking mechanism.

Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less which makes them more affordable than a Moses basket when you're looking to save money on an initial investment. Always adhere to safe sleeping guidelines and make sure the crib you choose is secure.