Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside crib allows you to safely co-sleep with your newborn without putting your baby at risk of overheating or the risk of suffocation. Designed to attach to the sides of your bed, they're particularly beneficial for mothers of c-sections who are finding getting out of bed painful.
MFM home test Emily found this crib easy to assemble, and she loved the mesh windows to allow for airflow and visibility for babies. It also folds flat and can be put into a an ideal travel bag.
Safety
A bedside crib crib is a unique crib that is able to connect seamlessly to the parents' beds, giving an easy way to care for their baby during the night. The crib allows parents to easily reach their infant to comfort or feed them while they are in the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who be suffering from sleep deprivation during the first few months. It also aids in promoting 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 bottom of the bed. This helps reduce the risk of accidents that could hurt your baby. They will also conform to safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure that your child is safe and secure when they are asleep. Make sure the mattress you have in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, check for any holes or gaps that could increase your child's danger of suffocation.
Also, you should avoid using duvets, pillows, or baby bumpers in your baby's crib unless they're designed specifically to be used with a crib or cot as they could pose danger and not be safe. You should also make sure that any toys or objects that your child plays with in the crib are securely anchored to the crib, and don't protrude too far out of the crib's edges.
If you're uncertain about a particular piece of equipment, you can always ask other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for advice and search for a product that is new and meets current safety standards, instead of secondhand or hand-me-downs. If you're looking to purchase an older crib, make sure you check it thoroughly for damages and ensure that all components are present before purchasing it.
A bassinet is a different option. It's similar to a crib, but it is typically attached to your bed. It does not have legs. These are ideal for newborns and are especially beneficial if you're recovering from a C-section as they're a perfect method to keep your baby close at your side throughout the day.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close during the night. This crib is a clever design with many features that will help you bond with your newborn and calm them. It is perfect for midnight feedings, cuddles, and comfort checks. You can easily raise or lower the crib's side rail with just one hand, to soothe and comfort your child or to monitor your child's sleep. It also has a gentle rocking mode and an incline function to alleviate symptoms of reflux, including stomach pain or indigestion.
It comes with a huge storage area beneath the crib, perfect for blankets and nappies. And it's designed to work with divan beds (check the specifications for specific ones that may require straps that are longer), so you don't have to worry about the frame of your bed. Gulhan Arapoglu stated that it was a good size, sturdy, and easy to move from room room. She adds that it's a little heavier than some bedside cribs however this is due to the extra features, like a rocking mode and reflux upwards.
Firm mattresses are one of the most important features to look for when selecting a crib. This can reduce the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) since mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of being suffocated. A firm mattress will also be healthier for your baby, as it is more comfortable and promotes healthy spinal development.
You can purchase a crib mattress on its own. We suggest that you purchase the best quality mattress to give your baby the best sleep possible. Verify that the mattress meets British safety standards and that it's the right size for your baby.
It's worthwhile to shop for the best deal when you're thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed. Black Friday is a great opportunity to purchase these cribs for a price that is lower. Be sure to purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure they are safe and meet the required safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that attaches to the side of 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 times. They're also a great option for mothers recovering from c-section births, who can be unable to get out of bed to look after their baby in the middle of the night.
There are many different styles available however, you should search for the following features:
Can it be cleaned by machine or do you need an unwashable mattress cover? What size is the bed and can you lower or raise it to make it more suitable? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?
Mum test subject Jasmine particularly liked the fact that this crib is able to swivel, making it easier to reach in and out of to grab her newborn. She also liked the size of the crib and said it's not as big as a traditional crib, but it's bigger than standard Moses baskets and is a comfortable crib for babies. It's also simple to build and can be folded flat, making it easy to move. Some mums found it somewhat heavy, but this could be a problem for those with mobility issues.
Another alternative to consider is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. The crib differs from other cribs in that it doesn't have a drop down panel however it does have an adjustable side you can lower so that you can reach your baby. It's not as compact as other cribs for bed however, it's still mobile and comes with a travel bag that makes it easy to store.
Some cribs can be transformed into a cot or toddler using an expansion kit. This is a great feature for families who are planning to extend the life of their baby's bed long past the newborn stage, but it's not always necessary.
Budget
The best bedside cribs will sit right by your bed, so you can keep an eye on baby and take care of feedings at night and changing nappy without getting out of bed. It is easy to fold or close the sides so that you can access them in the dark. They should also be breathable to offer comfort. Most will come with beds, which are ideal as you don't want it too soft or lumpy.
You must also consider the ease of assemble - some are much simpler than others, with the more complex models costing more. Consider whether the crib was designed to fit your own bed or not. Some cribs may only work with a particular type of divan base, and this could be a problem if you have a more unusual bedframe.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a great option for parents with a divan bed, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's well-made with high-quality mesh sides to let you see the baby's face. https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/products/costway-baby-bedside-crib-with-mattress-and-storage-shelf liked it and gave it a thumbs-up. It has a shelf that can be used for nappies or blankets and weighs just 10kg.
SnuzPod4 is a different option. It comes in a variety of colors, and our mothers love it. They appreciate the design, which is slim and elegant, yet still offers ample space for babies to sleep comfortably. they appreciate the additional features, including the ability to tilt to aid in reflux and a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both these cribs are available for PS99 or less which makes them an affordable alternative to a Moses basket when you're looking to save money on your initial investment. You should always remember to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping but also ensure that the crib you buy conforms to the Lullaby Trust code for safety.