Bedside Cot Crib

Bedside cot cribs let you to sleep safely with your baby without the danger of suffocation or overheating. Designed to attach to the sides of your bed, they're especially beneficial for mothers of c-sections who are finding getting out of bed difficult.

MFM home tester Emily found this bedside crib easy to assemble, and loved the mesh window to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It also folds flat and can be put into a a handy travel cot bedside bag.

Safety

A crib that is bedside is a new crib that connects seamlessly to parents' beds, giving an easy way to take care of their baby at night. The crib lets parents reach their baby with ease so they can feed or comfort them without leaving bed, which is very useful for new parents who may be suffering from sleep deprivation in the early years. It also aids in promoting the growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable environment for sleeping.

A top-quality bedside crib vs cot crib will have a solid connection and an anti-slip design at the foot of the bed. This helps reduce the risk of accidents that could harm your baby. They also have to meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure that your child is secure and safe when they're asleep. Make sure that the mattress that comes in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, check for any holes or gaps that could increase the danger of suffocation.

It is also recommended to be wary of using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers in your baby's crib unless they are designed specifically to be used in conjunction with a cot or a crib because they could be danger and not meet safety standards. You should also ensure that any toys your baby plays with in the crib is securely secured and does not extend out too far.

Ask other parents for advice in case you are uncertain about a piece of equipment. Also, search for items that are brand new and meet the current safety standards instead of ones that were handed down or second-hand. If you're going to buy a crib that is used, be sure to examine it thoroughly for any damages and ensure that all components are present before you buy it.

A bassinet is an alternative. It is similar to a crib, but is usually fixed to your bed. It does not have legs. These are perfect for newborns and are a great option when you are recovering from the c-section. They keep your baby close to you all the time.

Size

Sweet2Sleep's bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close by during the night. Ideal for feeding at midnight as well as heartfelt cuddles and check-ups on your comfort while you're snug in your bed, this smart crib comes with features that help you bond and soothe your baby. You can easily raise or lower the crib's side rail with only one hand, to calm and comfort your child or for a safe way to monitor sleep. It also features a soft rocking mode and an incline function to help relieve symptoms of reflux, like indigestion or tummy pain.

It has a large storage compartment beneath the crib, perfect for blankets and nappies. It's also designed to be compatible with divan beds (check the specifications for specific ones that may require longer straps), so you don't need to worry about the frame of your bed. One of our mom testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size, robust and easy to move around from room to room. She adds that it's a little heavier than some cribs for beds however this is due to the extra features such as an adjustable rocking mode as well as a reflux incline.

One of the most important factors to look for in a crib is a mattress that is firm. This can reduce the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood of suffocation. A firm mattress will also be healthier for your baby's wellbeing, as it is more comfortable and encourages healthy spinal development.

You can buy an individual crib mattress, but we recommend purchasing a top quality model to ensure that your little one gets the best rest possible. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and is the correct size for your child.

If you're considering buying a bedside cot crib it's worth doing an extensive search to make sure you're getting the best price. Making use of Black Friday sales is a great way to save money on these useful cribs. But remember that it's best to buy a crib from the manufacturer directly so you are certain of its quality and that it meets the required safety standards.

Style

A bedside crib is a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side. They're perfect to keep your baby close to you, so you can easily reach them for evening feedings or soothe them back to sleep during nap times. They're also a blessing for mothers recovering from c-section births, who may struggle to get out of bed to look after their baby during the night.

There are a wide variety of styles you can pick from, but some characteristics that you may want to be looking for are:

Can it be cleaned by machine or do you need an easy-to-clean mattress cover? What size is the bed and can you raise or lower it to accommodate? It is easy to move, but how heavy is it?

Jasmine as a mother tester, liked that the crib rotates. This made it easier for her to reach in and out of it to pick up her baby. She also liked the size of the crib, saying it's not as large bedside crib as a traditional crib, but is bigger than the standard Moses baskets and is a comfortable crib for babies. It's also easy to put together and can be folded flat, making it easy to move. It was a bit heavy for some mums, which could be a problem for those who have 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, Moses Basket category. The crib differs from the rest because it doesn't have a drop down panel and instead has an adjustable side you can lower to allow you to reach your baby. It's not as compact as other cribs for bed however, it's still lightweight and comes with a bag that makes it easy to store.

Some cribs can be converted into a toddler or cot with the help of an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families looking to expand their baby's sleeping space beyond the infant stage. However, it is not always required.

Budget

The best cribs for your bed are those that sit near your bed, so you can watch your baby, change diapers at night, and feed your baby without getting up from your bed. You can easily fold or zip the sides so you can access them in the dark. They must also be breathable to offer comfort. Many will come with a mattress, which is crucial because you want it to be firm and flat instead of super-soft or clumpy.

The price of more complicated models will be higher. Also, think about whether the crib is designed to fit your bed or not. Some cribs may only fit a certain 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 great choice for those with divan beds. It was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. Our mum testers have given it a thumbs up, saying it's well-constructed with high-quality mesh sides that you can see your baby's face through. It also comes with a useful storage shelf to store nappies and blankets, and is relatively lightweight at 10kg.

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

Both cribs are available at PS99 or less, which makes them a more affordable option than a Moses Basket if you are looking to cut costs on the initial cost. Always remember to follow safe sleep guidance but also ensure whether the crib you purchase is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.