Bedside Cot Crib

Bedside cribs allow you to sleep in a safe environment with your baby without the danger of overheating or suffocation. The cribs are designed to attach to the sides of your bed, they're especially helpful for c-section mums who find getting out of bed painful.

Emily Emily, an MFM home test participant, found the bedside crib to be easy to put together. She also liked the mesh windows that allow for airflow and visibility of baby. It folds flat and stowed into a convenient travel bag.

Safety

A bedside cot crib is an innovative crib that is seamlessly connected to the parents bed to provide a comfortable method for them 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 the bed, which is helpful for new parents who may be suffering from sleep deprivation during those first few months. It encourages healthy growth of the baby by creating an environment that is safe and secure.

A good quality bedside cot crib should have a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the mattress's foot which reduces the chance of accidents that could cause injury to your baby. They will also conform to safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure your baby is safe and secure when they're asleep. It is also important to ensure that the mattress you get with your crib is firm rather than soft, and check for any gaps that could increase your baby's risk of suffocation or entrapment.

It is also recommended to be wary of using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers in your baby's crib unless they're designed specifically for use with a cot or crib because they could be danger and not be safe. Also, make sure that any toys or items that your child plays with in the crib are securely anchored to the crib, and don't protrude too far out of the crib's edges.


If you're unsure about a piece of equipment, you can ask other parents in an NCT group or at a baby cafe for suggestions and choose a crib that is brand new and complies with current safety standards, instead of second-hand or hand-me-downs. Examine the crib for any damage prior to purchasing it.

Another alternative is to buy the bassinet, which is similar to a cot but usually is attached to your bed and doesn't have legs. They are great for babies and are especially great if you're recovering from a C section, since they're a great option to keep your baby close and at your side throughout the day.

Size

Keep baby close to you in the evening with the Sweet2Sleep bedside crib. Perfect for feeding your baby at night, heartfelt cuddles and check-ups on your comfort while you're cosy in your own bed, this clever crib is packed with features to help you bond and soothe your baby. It is easy to raise or lower the side rail of the crib with only one hand, to soothe and comfort your child to monitor your child's sleep. It comes with an easy rocking feature and an incline feature that can help relieve symptoms such as indigestion and stomach pain.

It has a large storage space beneath the crib, perfect for blankets and nappies. It's also designed to be used with divan beds (check the specs as some may require longer straps) So you don't have to worry about the frame of your bed. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size and sturdy and easy to move around from room to room. She also says that it is a little heavier than other cribs for bed however this is due to the additional features, such as a rocking mode or reflux incline.

Firm mattresses are one of the most important things to look for when selecting the crib. Mattresses that are soft can increase the chance of SIDS, which is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A firm mattress is also an ideal choice for your baby since it's more comfortable and aids in healthy growth of the spine.

You can buy the crib mattress separately. We suggest that you invest in the best quality mattress to ensure your baby gets the best possible rest. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and is the correct size for your child.

If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib it's worth doing some careful shopping around to make sure you're getting the best deal. Making use of Black Friday sales is a fantastic way to save money on these cribs. It's ideal to purchase a crib from the manufacturer directly so that you can be sure of its quality and that it meets the necessary safety standards.

Style

A bedside crib is an attached bassinet to your bed. They're great to keep your newborn close to you so that you can easily reach them for night feedings or soothe them back to sleep during nap times. They're also great for mothers who have had csections and are unable to get up in the middle of the night to look after their newborn.

There are many different styles to choose from however, you should search for the following qualities:

Can it be cleaned by machine or does it require a hand-washable mattress cover? What size is the mattress and can it be raised or lowered to accommodate your bed? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?

Jasmine as a mother tester, loved that the crib swivels. This made it easier for her to reach into and out of it to take her baby. She also appreciated the size, stating that it's not as big as a standard crib for babies, but it's larger than the standard Moses baskets. It's also a comfortable fit for her baby. 4-in-1 bedside crib 's also easy to put together and can be folded flat, making it easy to carry. It was a bit heavy for some mums, which could be an issue for those who have mobility problems.

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. This is different from other bedside cribs in that it doesn't come with a drop-down panel but rather an adjustable side that you can lower to reach baby. It's not as compact as some other bedside cribs however, it's still mobile and comes with a travel bag that makes it easy to store.

Some cribs can be converted into a toddler or cot using an expansion kit. This can be beneficial for families looking to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the baby stage. However, it is not always required.

Budget

The best bedside cribs can be placed right next to your bed, which means you can keep an eye on baby and attend to feedings at night and changing nappy without having to get out of your own bed. They'll typically have sides that fold or zip down easily so you can reach over in the dark to grab them, and they should also be breathable to ensure comfort. The majority will have an upholstered bed, which is ideal since you don't want it too hard or clumpy.

You must also consider how easy it is to put together - some cribs are easier than others, with the more complicated models likely costing more. Consider whether the crib will fit your bed or not. Some cribs may only fit with a specific type of divan base. This could be a problem if own a bedframe that is more unique.

The popular Next2me Magic crib is a good option for those who have a divan bed, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-constructed and has a high mesh side so you can see the baby's face. Our mom testers have given it a thumbs up. It comes with a shelf to store nappies or blankets, and weighs only 10kg.

Another good alternative is the SnuzPod4, available in a variety of colours, and our mums have been extremely pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is slim, sleek option that still offers plenty of space for babies to rest comfortably. Our mums are also impressed by features such as incline options which aid in reducing reflux, as well as a relaxing rocking mechanism.

Both of these cribs are sold for PS99 or less and are a more budget-friendly option than a Moses basket if you're trying to save money on an initial purchase. Always remember to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping though, and check that the crib you purchase is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.