Bedside Crib and Cot

A crib or bedside cot can be easily accessed for evening feedings and for comforting. Many come with adjustable heights and a firm, flat air-conditioned mattress that helps your baby rest deeply and safely.

Jasmin the mother tester, liked the size of this crib. She said it was bigger than standard Moses baskets, but not too large. She also appreciated the multiple mesh windows and the 30-second open-fold mechanism.

Easy access

A bedside crib (also known as a bedside bassinet or a co-sleeper) is a specifically-designed sleep solution that lets parents keep their children close, without the dangers that come with co-sleeping. It can be particularly helpful for mothers who have had C-sections as they recover and aid them in getting into the swing with their baby.

While it's a fantastic way to learn to share your space with your child however, you should be aware of certain aspects when buying one. As a rule of thumb, you will want to ensure the crib has an enclosure of 12cm to prevent your baby from rolling out and over onto your side of the bed. It should also have an easy-to-reach drop-down side that allows you can reach over and pick up your little one in the night for feeding or comforting. It's crucial that it is placed perfectly next to your bed.

The top-rated bedside crib we've seen is the SnuzPod 4. It's an extremely popular product worldwide due to its Scandi aesthetic and wealth of features, including a specialized 'ComfortAir' technology that helps regulate the temperature and increase airflow. Other popular choices include the HALO BassiNest Essentia, which features a swiveling sleeping area and a drop-down sidewall that drops down effortlessly to allow you to easily reach in to pick up baby or soothe them. The Joie Roomie Glide has an easily collapsible side that allows you to simply push it down with your hands and it automatically returns to its upright position.

The cribs we've reviewed for you can be easily placed next to your bed and meet the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety standard that introduced stricter standards for these types of products. There are Recommended Reading that don't comply with these standards are available for sale however they'll gradually disappear from stores as manufacturers replace them with newer, safer models. Check to see if the crib you're thinking of buying meets the new safety standard.

Safety

A secure and safe sleeping environment is crucial to your newborn's health and wellbeing. Find cots or cribs 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 provide a secure and practical solution for sleeping that allows parents to keep their child close to them, fostering bonding and reassuring them they're not in danger.

If you are buying a bedside cot, bassinet or crib, make sure that it has a solid and flat mattress. Any gaps can lead to suffocation. Also, make sure that the crib frame is strong and that the slats spaced at least 2-3/8 inches apart. Make sure the mattress is in line with EN 16890 and that it has been tested to ensure strength, stability and firmness.

Also, you should avoid putting in anything to your infant's crib that increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation or strangulation like pillows, blankets and stuffed animals except if they're designed for sleeping. Also, avoid any sleep wedges or positioning devices as they're not clinically proved to improve sleep, and could pose danger to your baby.

It's better to buy a crib with fixed sides rather than drop sides. These are safer. It's also important to stay clear of cribs with mobiles attached as they could pose strangulation and choke risk when the cord or string is entangled around your baby's neck.

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


Practicality

If you'd like to sleep close to your newborn but do not want to share a bed, a bedside crib is a safe alternative. Also called co-sleepers, or bassinets at the bedside, these babies' beds attach to the sides 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 parents and child, and also helps to promote healthy sleep patterns with parents able respond quickly to any wake-up needs during the night.

Many cribs have an additional side panel that can be lowered at night and left. This lets you observe and feed your baby or to change their nappy at night. Some cribs have a special mesh wall that zips down and can be placed into the mattress for extra security. This reduces the risk of duvets or blankets falling onto your baby. The SnuzPod 4, for instance, is made of ventilatory material that improves airflow and lowers the risk of suffocation.

Most cribs have straps that allow you to fix them to the sides of your bed or mattress It's important to make sure that the straps included in your crib will fit your bed frame before buying especially if you own divan beds, as this may require longer straps. Some cribs can also be folded away and stored when they are not in use which makes them ideal for travel too.

Some cribs can be used as their own, allowing you to move them around the room if needed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the day, encouraging bonding and socialisation. Some cribs can even be utilized independently, which means you can move them around the room as required, allowing you to keep your baby close throughout the day which encourages bonding and socialisation. Cribs are also a great option for helping your baby to feel more independent. They will be able to fall asleep on their own and develop an established routine.

Space

Bedside cribs are a secure and practical method of co-sleeping. You can observe and reach your child without having to leave your bed. Some cribs also have incline settings that aid in reducing reflux and congestion and others have practical under-seat storage for wipes and muslin squares. Make sure you choose a mattress that is made for your crib. Mattresses that are second-hand may be too flat or worn out, which can increase the chance of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are often used by mums who are 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 own crib and develop independence, while the barrier they create between your bed and theirs minimizes the chance of being suffocated.

There are a variety of options available including budget-friendly models and top-of-the-line models. Some cribs are a bit more compact and can be folded to be stored away, while others come with a carry-on bag to take them on weekends away. Take into funny post of your bedroom and if your crib can be able to fit. Your baby may get out of it earlier than expected, so don't buy too small.

If you're looking for a crib that's simpler to assemble, the Cozee XL is one of the easiest cribs to build during MFM tests and features a smart oak base. It also has an anti-reflux incline and an opening side panel plus it's easy to clean. It's compatible with most beds, but you may be unable to install it when you have divan.

If you're looking for a chic bedside crib that includes an adjustable mattress and an accompanying bag This crib from Chicco is worth a look. Its unique design has a perforated base that boosts airflow, and it comes with a range of height adjustments for your growing baby. It's also incredibly easy to clean and comes with an ideal storage area under the seat for wipes, nappies and your own favourite baby items.