The Most Common Bedside Cot Crib Mistake Every Newbie Makes
Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs let you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without the danger of suffocation or overheating. These cribs can be attached to the bedside and are especially helpful for mothers having a c-section who have difficulty to get out of the bed.
Emily, a MFM home tester, found the bedside crib easy to assemble and liked the mesh windows that allow airflow and a clear view of the baby. It can be folded flat and stowed into a convenient travel bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is a new crib that connects seamlessly to parents' beds to give an easy way to take care of their infant during the night. The crib lets parents access their child easily so that they can feed or soothe them without leaving the bed, which is helpful for new parents who suffer from sleep apnea during those early months. It encourages healthy growth of the infant by providing an environment that is safe and secure.
A high-quality bedside crib will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design at the foot of the bed. This reduces the risk of accidents that could harm your baby. They also meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure your baby is safe and secure while they sleep. 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 risk of suffocation.
Avoid using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers to your baby's crib, unless they were intended to be used in conjunction with a crib. They can pose a serious safety hazard and might not meet the required safety standards. Also, make sure that any toys your baby plays with in the crib is securely attached and doesn't extend too far.
If you're not sure about a particular piece of equipment, you can consult other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for help and choose a crib that is brand new and meets current safety standards, instead of second-hand or used cribs. Make sure the crib is free of damage prior to purchasing it.
A bassinet is an alternative. It is like a crib but is usually fixed to your bed. It does not have legs. They are great for newborns and are a great option when you are recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you all the time.
Size

Keep baby close to you at night with the Sweet2Sleep bedside crib. Perfect for midnight feeds, heartfelt cuddles and check-ups on your comfort while you're cozy in your bed, this clever crib is loaded with features to help you bond with and soothe your baby. Simply raise or lower the side rails of the crib with one hand to calm and comfort your infant or to provide secure monitoring of sleep. It has an easy rocking feature and an incline function to alleviate symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
It has a large storage area underneath the crib that is ideal for nappies and blankets. It's designed to be compatible with divan beds (check the specs because some might require longer straps), so you don't have to fret about the frame of your bed. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, robust and easy to move from room to room. She also says that it is a little heavier than other bedside cribs however this is due to additional features such as a rocking mode or reflux incline.
Firm mattresses are one of the most important things to look for when choosing a crib. Soft mattresses can increase the chance of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress can be better for your baby's health, since it is more comfortable and helps to promote healthy spinal development.
You can buy an individual crib mattress however we recommend investing in a premium quality model to ensure that your child will get the best quality sleep possible. Check that the mattress meets British safety regulations and is the correct size for your child.
It's worth looking for the best deal if you're considering purchasing a bedside crib. Black Friday is a great time to buy these cribs for a price that is lower. Make sure you purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are safe and meet the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is a baby bassinet that can be attached to the sides of your bed. bedside co sleeper cot to keep your newborn close to you so you can easily reach them for night feedings or to soothe them to sleep during nap times. They're also great for mums who have had c-sections but struggle to get up at the middle of the night to look after their newborn.
There's a variety of styles to pick from, but some features you should be looking for are:
Can it be cleaned by machine or do you need a hand-washable mattress cover? What size is the bed and can you adjust it to fit? How much does it weigh 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 subject Jasmine particularly loved the fact that this crib is able to swivel, making it easier to reach in and out of to pick up her baby. She also liked the size, stating that it is not as large as a traditional crib however it is bigger than standard Moses baskets. It's also a comfortable fit for her baby. It's also simple to assemble and folds flat for easy transport. Some mums found it to be a bit heavy, however, and this may be an issue for those who have mobility issues.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is another option that you could consider. It won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. The crib differs from others in that it does not include a drop-down panel and instead has an adjustable side that you can lower to reach your baby. It's not quite as compact as other bedside cribs, but it is still transportable and comes with a travel bag.
Other cribs are designed to convert into a toddler bed or cot by using an expansion kit. This can be a useful feature for families planning to extend the duration of their baby's sleep space long past the infant stage, but isn't always required.
Budget
The best cribs for bedside use are those that are next to your bed so that you can look after your baby, change nappys at night, and feed your baby without getting up from your bed. It is easy to fold or zip the sides down so you can reach them in the dark. They must also be breathable to give you a comfortable sleep. Most will come with beds, which are ideal as you don't want it too hard or clumpy.
The cost of more complicated models will likely be more expensive. Take into consideration whether the crib will fit your bed or not. Some cribs may only fit with a specific type of divan base. This could be a problem for you if you own a bedframe that is unique.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a good option for parents with divan beds, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It was well-made with high-quality mesh sides that 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 nappies and blankets and is light at just 10kg.
Another good option is the SnuzPod4, available in a variety of colours, and our mums have been very pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is slim, sleek design that provides plenty of space for babies to rest comfortably. Our mums also love the features like incline options that aid in reflux, as well as a soothing rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be bought for PS99 or less, which makes them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you are looking to save on the initial cost of your purchase. Always follow the safe sleeping guidelines and ensure that the crib you choose is secure.