Bedside Crib and Cot

Built to be placed next to your bed A bedside crib and cot are easy to reach to feed your baby at night and provide comfort. Most feature adjustable heights and a flat, firm and breathable mattress that will help your baby rest deeply and comfortably.

Mom test subject Jasmin appreciated this crib's size and said it's larger than the standard Moses baskets, but it's not too big. She also loved the mesh windows and the 30-second open-folding mechanism.

Access to information

A bedside crib (also called a bedside bassinet or co-sleeper) is a specifically-designed sleep solution that lets parents keep their children close, without the dangers that come with co-sleeping. This can be particularly helpful for mums who have had a C-section, as they recover and can assist them in getting back into the swing of life with baby.

While it's a great opportunity to begin sharing your space with your child, you should consider certain things when buying one. You should ensure that the crib has at minimum a 12cm wall or barrier to stop your child from rolling over and 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 it's to comfort or feed.

The top-rated crib for bedside use is the SnuzPod 4. It's a world bestseller thanks to its Scandi-inspired design and a wealth of features. This includes a ComfortAir technology that regulates temperature and maximizes airflow. Other popular options include the HALO BassiNest Essentia, that features a swiveling sleeping area as well as a sidewall that can be lowered effortlessly to allow you to easily reach in to take baby in or comfort them. The Joie Roomie Glide has an easily collapsible side that lets you simply push it down with your hands and it automatically returns to its upright position.

All the cribs we've reviewed for you here will fit neatly next to your bed and meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety standard which introduced tougher requirements for these kinds of cribs. There are some cribs on the market that don't conform to these standards, but as manufacturers replace older models with safer ones, they will slowly disappear from stores. Check to see if the crib you're considering purchasing meets this new safety standard.

Safety

It is crucial to ensure an environment that is safe and secure for your newborn. Look for cribs or cots that meet NHS safety standards, and have been endorsed by childcare professionals such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs offer a safe and practical sleep solution that lets parents keep their baby close to them, encouraging bonding and reassuring the baby that they're not in danger.

When you're looking for a bedside crib, bassinet or cot, ensure sure it has a solid mattress with no gaps that could result in an entrapment or suffocation. Also, make sure that the crib frame is sturdy and that the slats spaced not more than 2 inches apart. Check that the mattress size is in compliance with EN 16890 and has been tested to ensure strength, stability and firmness.

Avoid putting pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys to your crib unless they're specifically designed for sleep. Also, avoid any sleep wedges, or positioners since they're not clinically proven to improve sleep and could pose danger to your baby.

It is a good idea to purchase a crib with fixed sides instead of cribs that have drop sides, as these are considered safer. It's also worth avoiding cribs with mobiles attached as they can be strangulation and choke risk if the string or cord becomes entangled around your baby's neck.

Make sure that the crib's hardware is free of sharp edges which could harm or scratch your baby. Make sure that the crib mattress and bedding is securely secured and there aren't any loose or broken screws or brackets. Find the JPMA certification seal. This signifies that the crib has been tested and that it meets safety standards. You can find the seal by searching for a product category on JPMA's Certification Directory.

Practicality

If you want to sleep close to your baby but don't want to share a bed, a bedside crib is a great alternative. These beds, also referred to as co-sleepers or bedside bassinets can be attached to the side of your bed. They offer you the privacy you need to sleep, but are still close enough to nighttime feedings and provide comfort. This close connection strengthens the bond between parents and children and encourages healthy sleeping habits. Parents are also able to respond promptly to any wake-related needs throughout the night.

A lot of cribs have an extra side panel that can be removed at night and left down. This lets you observe and feed your baby, or change their nappy at night. Some even have a unique zip-down mesh wall that can be zipped up and tucked into the mattress for extra protection, thereby reducing the chance of stray duvets or blankets falling on top of your baby. The SnuzPod 4 for instance is made of air-flow-enhancing fabric that allows for more airflow, which reduces the risk of the suffocation risk.

It is possible to attach the majority of cribs to your mattress or bed with straps. But, it is important to check that the straps included with the crib will be able to fit your bed frame. This is especially important if you own a divan-style bed. Some cribs can be folded and can be put away when not being used, making them an excellent choice for traveling.

Some cribs can be used as their own which allows you to move them around the room as needed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the day, encouraging bonding and socialisation. Some cribs are portable, so you can move them around as you need to. This lets you keep your child near all day long, encouraging socialisation and bonding. They're also a great method to make your baby feel more independent, as they'll be able to fall asleep without you with them and develop a self-sleeping routine.

Space

Bedside cribs offer a safe and practical method of co-sleeping. You can see and touch your child without having to leave your bed. Some cribs come with an incline setting that helps with reflux and congestion. Others feature under-seat storage to store wipes and muslin. Always make sure you have a mattress specifically designed for your bedside crib as second-hand mattresses are more likely to be too flat or worn out, which increases the risk of SIDS.

In addition, they provide easy access for night feedings Bedside cribs are also great for mothers recovering from a C-section as they can be used even when still lying down. They can also help your baby adjust to sleeping alone in their own crib and develop independence, while the wall they create between your bed and theirs decreases the risk of the crib becoming suffocated.

There are many options available including budget-friendly models and expensive ones. Some cribs are a bit more compact and can be folded up to store away, while others come with a handy travel bag so you can take them out on weekends. Consider the dimensions of your bedroom and whether your crib can be able to fit. Your baby may grow out of it sooner than you anticipated so don't purchase too small.

If bedside rocking crib seeking a crib that is easier to assemble it's the Cozee XL is one of the easiest cribs to build during MFM tests. It also has an elegant oak base. It also comes with an anti-reflux tilt setting and a side panel that opens, and it's easy to clean. It's suitable for most beds, but you may be unable to install it if you have a divan.


If you're after a stylish bedside crib that includes a mattress and a carry bag this crib from Chicco is worth looking into. It's an innovative design that features a perforated bottom to increase airflow. It also comes with an adjustable height to accommodate your growing child. It is also easy to clean and has a handy under-seat storage area for nappies and wipes.