Bedside Crib and Cot
Designed to fit next to your bed, a bedside crib or cot are easy to reach to feed your baby at night and provide comfort. Many come with adjustable heights and a flat, firm and breathable mattress that will help your baby sleep deeply and safely.
Mum tester Jasmin appreciated this crib's size It's bigger than standard Moses baskets, but not too big. She also appreciated the multiple mesh windows and the open-fold mechanism that opens every 30 seconds.
Accessibility
A bedside crib, also referred as a co-sleeper or bedside bassinet, is specially designed sleep solution that allows babies to sleep close to parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (like rolling off the parent's bed or getting suffocated). It can be particularly helpful for mothers who have had C-sections as they recover, and can assist them in adjusting to the swing with their baby.
Although it's a great way to get used to sharing space with your baby, there are some considerations you should take into account when buying one. You should ensure that the crib has at least 12cm of a wall or barrier to keep your child from falling over and falling onto your side. It should have a drop-down section that is easy to reach, so you can reach your baby in the middle of the night, whether for comfort or feeding.
The top-rated bedside crib we've found is the SnuzPod 4. It's a best seller worldwide for its Scandi aesthetic and wealth of features, including a dedicated "ComfortAir" technology which helps to regulate the temperature and increase airflow. Other options that are popular include the HALO BassiNest Essentia, that has a swiveling sleep area and a sidewall that slides down so that you can easily reach inside to pick up baby or soothe them. The Joie Roomie Glide has an easily collapsed side, which allows you to simply push it down using your hands and it will automatically return to its upright position.
The cribs we've reviewed for you will be able to fit comfortably next your bed and are compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety standard that introduced stricter standards for these types of products. Some old versions of cribs that don't meet these standards are being sold on the market but they'll slowly disappear from stores as manufacturers replace them with the newer, safer models. Check to see if the crib you're thinking of purchasing is safe and meets the latest safety standard.
Safety
The provision of a safe and secure sleeping environment is crucial to your newborn's health and wellbeing. Look for cribs or cots that meet NHS safety standards and have been endorsed by childcare experts such as the director at the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs are a secure, practical solution for parents who wish to keep their children close. This encourages bonding and gives parents assurance that they are not in danger.
If you are looking for a bedside cot, bassinet or cot, make sure it has a firm mattress with no gaps that could lead to an entrapment or suffocation. Also, make sure that the crib frame is strong and that the slats spaced no more than 3/8 inches apart. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with EN 16890 and that it has been tested to ensure the strength, stability and firmness.
Avoid adding pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys to your crib unless they're specifically designed to be used for sleeping. Additionally, stay clear of any sleep wedges or positioners because they're not scientifically proved to improve sleep, and could be dangerous for your infant.
It is a good idea to purchase a crib with fixed sides in comparison to cribs with drop sides, since they are considered to be safer. It's also important to stay clear of cribs that have mobiles attached, as they could pose strangulation and choking risk when the cord or string is entangled around your baby's neck.
Finally, be certain to verify that your crib's hardware is free of sharp edges that could scratch or injure your child. Also, ensure that the crib's bedding and mattress are securely secured and that there are no broken or loose screws buckles, brackets, or snaps. Check for the JPMA certification seal. This signifies that the crib was sample tested and meets industry safety standards. The seal can be found by searching for a product category on JPMA's Certification Directory.
Practicality
A bedside crib could be an ideal option if you would like to sleep with your baby but not in the same bed. Also called co-sleepers, or bedside bassinets, these babies are attached to the side of the bed parents sleep in, giving them a private area to sleep but within easy reach for night feedings and comforting. This close connection helps strengthen the bond between the parent and child. It also encourages healthy sleep patterns and parents who are able to respond quickly to any waking demands during the night.
A lot of cribs have a side panel which can be taken down at night and left. This allows you to see and feed your baby or change their nappy during the night. Some cribs have a special mesh wall that zips down and can be placed in the mattress to provide extra security. This reduces the chance of blankets or duvets falling on your baby. The SnuzPod 4 for example is made of air-flow-enhancing fabric that allows for more airflow, reducing the chance of being suffocated.
Most cribs have straps that let you attach them to the side of your bed or mattress It's important to make sure whether the straps included with your crib will work with your bed frame prior to buying especially if you own divan beds, as this might require straps that are longer. Some cribs can also be folded and put away when they're not being used making them ideal for travel too.
The best cribs are designed with practicality in mind and they're often loved by new mothers who have had a c-section birth because it makes it easier for them to access their baby without needing to get out of bed in the recovery. Some cribs can even be utilized independently, which means you can move them around the room as you need to, allowing you to keep your baby close throughout the day, encouraging bonding and socialization. They are also a great way to help your baby feel more independent, as they'll begin to fall asleep without having you with them and develop a self-sleeping routine.
Space
Bedside cribs are a secure and practical way to co-sleep. You can observe and touch your child with no having to leave your bed. Some cribs also come with incline settings to can help with congestion and reflux and others have practical under-seat storage for wipes as well as muslin squares. Make sure best bedside cot choose a mattress specifically designed for your crib. Mattresses that are second-hand may be too flat or worn-out, thereby increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are often used by mothers recovering from a C-section. They can also be used while lying down. They can assist your baby get used to sleeping in their crib alone and help them develop independence. The barrier they create between their bed and yours minimizes the risk of suffocation.
There are a variety of options, from budget-friendly to high-end. Some cribs are a bit more compact and fold up to store away, whereas others come with a carry-on bag to take them out on weekends. Think about the dimensions of your room and whether the crib will fit. Your baby may get out of it earlier than you anticipated so don't purchase too small.
If you're looking for a crib easy to put together, the Cozee XL is one of the easiest cribs to build during MFM tests. It also has a smart oak base. It also comes with an anti-reflux incline and a side panel that opens, and it's easy to clean. It's suitable for most bed frames but you might have trouble fitting it on a divan.
If you're looking for a chic bedside crib that includes the mattress as well as a carry bag This crib from Chicco is worth considering. Its unique design includes an open base that increases airflow, and it has a range of height adjustments for your growing baby. It's also incredibly easy to clean and comes with an under-seat storage space that is ideal for nappies, wipes and other baby items.