Bedside Crib and Cot
Built to be placed next to your bed, a bedside crib or cot is easily accessible for feeding at night and is a comforting. The majority of cribs can be adjusted in height, and a firm mattress that is flat and ventilated. This helps your baby to sleep safely and soundly.
Mom tester Jasmin loved the crib's dimensions and said it's larger than standard Moses baskets, but not too big. She also liked the mesh windows and the 30 second open-folding mechanism.
Easy access
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper, or bedside bassinet, is specially-designed sleep solution that allows babies to sleep close to parents without the risks of co-sleeping (like rolling off the mattress of their parents or getting suffocated). It can be especially helpful for mothers who have had C-sections as they recover, and can assist them in adjusting to the swing with their child.
Although it's an excellent method of getting used to sharing your space with baby, there are a few considerations you should consider when purchasing one. You will want to ensure that the crib has at least 12cm of wall or barrier to prevent your child from rolling over onto your side. It should have a drop-down side that is easy to reach so you can pick up your baby in the middle of the night, whether it's for comforting or feeding.
The top bedside crib we've come across is the SnuzPod 4, which is the top-selling crib worldwide due to its Scandi aesthetic and wealth of features, including the 'ComfortAir' technology that helps to regulate temperature and maximise airflow. The HALO BassiNest Essentia is also a popular option. It features an adjustable sleeping space that can be swiveled and an end wall that can be easily dropped so you can reach inside to pick baby up or comfort them. The Joie Roomie Glide also has a collapsible edge that you can easily collapse by hand. It will then automatically return to its upright position.
The cribs we've reviewed for you can be easily placed next to your bed and are compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety standard that introduced stricter standards for these types of cribs. Some old versions of cribs that don't comply with these strict standards are still available on the market, but they will gradually disappear from stores as manufacturers replace them with newer, safer models. Make sure you check the crib you're thinking of buying meets this new safety standard to ensure it's secure.
Safety
A secure and safe sleeping environment is vital for your newborn's health and wellbeing. When selecting a crib, or cot, ensure that it conforms to NHS safety standards and has been certified by childcare experts, such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs are a secure and practical solution for parents who want to keep their babies close. This helps to build bonds and gives parents the peace of mind knowing that they aren't in danger.
If you are buying a bassinet, bedside cot, or crib, ensure that it has a firm and flat mattress. Any gaps could cause death. Also, make sure the crib frame is sturdy and that the slats spaced no more than 2 inches apart. Check that the mattress meets the dimensions specified by EN 16890 and has been examined for stability, strength and firmness.
It is also recommended to avoid putting any items to your baby's crib that increase the danger of suffocation, entrapment or strangulation such as pillows, blankets and toys, unless they're specifically designed to be used for sleep. Avoid best bedside cot and positioners as they haven't been proven clinically to help your baby sleep better. They can also be dangerous.
It's best to purchase a crib that has fixed sides than one with drop sides. They are safer. It's also important to stay clear of cribs with mobiles attached because these can pose strangulation and choke risk when the cord or string is entangled around the neck of your baby.
Finally, be sure to ensure the crib's hardware free of any sharp edges that could scratch or injure your child. Ensure that the crib mattress and bedding is securely secured and there aren't any loose or broken brackets or screws. Look for the JPMA certification seal. This signifies that the crib was sample tested and is in compliance with safety standards. Search for the seal on the JPMA Certification Directory by selecting a product category.
Practicality
A bedside crib is an excellent option if wish to be able to sleep next to your baby but not in the same bed. Also known as co-sleepers or bassinets for bedside, these infants' beds attach to the side of the bed parents sleep in and provide them with a private space in which to sleep but being within reach for night feedings and comforting. This close proximity helps strengthen the bond between parent and child, and encourages healthy sleep patterns, with parents able to respond quickly to any waking needs throughout the night.
Many cribs come with an extra side panel that can be taken down at night and left. This allows you to observe and feed your baby or to change their nappy during the night. Some cribs come with a mesh wall that zips down and can be placed in the mattress to provide additional security. This reduces the risk of blankets or duvets falling on your baby. The SnuzPod 4 for example is a ventilatory fabric that improves airflow, reducing the chance of the suffocation risk.
You can attach most cribs to your mattress or bed by using straps. But, it is important to ensure that the straps supplied with the crib will be able to fit your bed frame. This is especially important if you have divan-style beds. Some cribs are foldable and can be put away when not in use making them a great choice for traveling.
Some cribs can be used as their own, allowing you to move them around the room as you need to. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the day, fostering bonding and socialisation. Some cribs can even be utilized by themselves, which means you can move them around the room as needed, enabling you to keep your baby close throughout the day too which encourages bonding and socialisation. Cribs are also a great option for helping your baby to become more independent. They will be able to sleep on their own and will develop a routine.
Space
Bedside cribs offer a safe and practical way to co-sleep. You can see and touch your child with no having to leave your bed. Some cribs also come with incline settings to help with reflux and congestion, while others feature practical under-seat storage space for wipes and muslin squares. It is recommended to use a mattress made specifically for your bedside crib - second-hand mattresses are likely to be flat or worn out, which increases the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs can be used by mothers recovering from a C Section. They can also be used while lying down. They can also help your baby adjust to sleeping alone in their crib and develop independence, while the wall they create between your bed and theirs minimizes the risk of being suffocated.
There are a myriad of options from budget-friendly models to high-end ones. Some cribs can be folded and stored away while others come with a travel bag that you can use to transport them out for weekends. Take into consideration the dimensions of your room and whether your crib can fit in there. Your baby could grow out of it sooner than expected so don't get too small.
If you're looking for a crib easy to put together and is more affordable, the Cozee XL is one of the quickest to build during MFM tests. It has an elegant oak base. It also comes with an anti-reflux incline setting and opening side panel, plus it's easy to clean. It is suitable for most bed frames, however it might be difficult to install if your divan is a little different.
If you're after a stylish, premium crib for your bed that comes with an adjustable mattress and an accompanying bag this crib from Chicco is worth a look. Its unique design features a perforated base that boosts airflow, as well as various height adjustments for your growing baby. It is also easy to clean and comes with a handy under-seat storage area for nappies and wipes.