Bedside Crib and Cot
Built to be placed next to your bed, a bedside crib or cot is easy to access for night feeds and comforting. Many come with adjustable heights and an incredibly firm, flat, breathable mattress to help your baby rest deeply and safely.
Mum test subject Jasmin was impressed by the crib's size, saying it's much larger than typical Moses baskets, but it's not too large. She also loved the mesh windows and the 30-second open-folding mechanism.
Easy access
A bedside crib (also called a bedside bassinet or co-sleeper) is a specifically-designed sleep solution that allows parents to keep their babies close without the risks associated with co-sleeping. This can be especially beneficial for mothers who have had a C-section as they recover and can assist them in getting back to normal life with their baby.
However, while it is an excellent way to get used to sharing space with your baby, there are a few considerations you should consider when purchasing one. As a general rule you should ensure that the crib is secured with a 12cm barrier or wall to stop your baby from rolling out and over onto the other side of the bed. It must have a drop-down edge that is easy to reach so you can reach your baby in the middle of the night, whether to comfort or feed.
small bedside cot rated crib for bedside use is the SnuzPod 4. It's a worldwide bestseller due to its Scandi-inspired design and numerous features. It comes with a ComfortAir technology that regulates temperature and maximizes 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 in to take baby in or comfort them. The Joie Roomie Glide also has an edge that is collapsible, which you can easily collapse with your hand. It will then automatically return to its upright position.
All the cribs we have reviewed here can be easily placed beside your bed. They also comply with the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standards, which have higher requirements for this type of product. There are some cribs available on the market that do not meet these standards, however, as manufacturers replace older models with safer ones, they will slowly disappear from stores. Make sure you check the crib you're thinking of buying meets this new safety requirement to be secure.
Safety
It is important to ensure a safe and secure environment for your baby. Find cots or cribs that are in compliance with NHS safety standards, and have been endorsed by childcare professionals, such as the director at the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs offer a safe and practical solution for sleeping that lets parents keep their baby close to them, fostering bonding and reassuring them they're not in danger.
When you're looking for a bedside crib, bassinet, or cot, be sure it has a solid mattress with no gaps that could lead to the entrapment or suffocation. Make sure that the crib frame is solid and the slats do not exceed 2-3/8 inches. Verify that the mattress is in compliance with EN 16890 and has been tested to assure the strength, stability and firmness.
Avoid putting pillows, blankets and stuffed toys in your baby's crib unless they're specifically designed to be used for sleeping. Additionally, stay clear of any sleep wedges or positioning devices as they're not clinically proved to improve sleep, and could be dangerous for your infant.
It's a good idea to buy a crib that has fixed sides, as opposed to those with drop sides, since these are considered safer. Avoid cribs that have mobiles that are attached, as they can cause strangulation and choke risk to your child if the cord or string becomes entangled.
Be sure to ensure the crib's hardware free of sharp edges that could scratch or injure your baby. Be sure that the crib's bedding and mattress is properly secured and there aren't any loose or broken brackets or screws. Look for the JPMA certification seal. This indicates that the crib was sample tested and is in compliance with safety standards. Look for the seal on JPMA Certification Directory by selecting a product category.
Practicality
If you want to sleep close to your baby but do not want to share a bed, a crib that is placed beside it is a good option. Also called co-sleepers, or bassinets at the bedside, these babies cribs attach to the side of parents' bed providing them with a secure place to rest but being within reach for night feedings and soothing. This close proximity helps strengthen the bond between the parent and child, and promotes healthy sleeping patterns with parents able react quickly to any waking needs during the night.
Many cribs come with an additional side panel that can be detached and then lowered so that you can observe your baby and lift them out towards you for feeding, night nappy changes or soothing. Some cribs come with a mesh wall that zips down and can be placed into the mattress to provide extra security. This reduces the chance of duvets or blankets falling on your baby. The SnuzPod 4, as an instance, has a breathable material that increases airflow and decreases the chance of the suffocation risk.
Most cribs come with straps that allow you to attach them to the side of your bed or mattress, but it's worth checking whether the straps included with your crib will work with your bed frame prior to purchasing - particularly if you have divan beds, because this could require more straps. Some cribs are foldable and can be stored away when not in use which makes them a great choice for traveling.
The best cribs are built with practicality in mind, and are often adored by mothers who've had c-section births, as it's easier for them to reach their infant without having to leave the bed during recovery. Some cribs can even be used on their own, meaning you can move them around the room as required, enabling you to keep your baby close throughout the day too which encourages bonding and socialisation. Cribs are also an excellent option to help your baby feel more independent. They will learn to sleep on their own and develop an established routine.
Space
Bedside cribs are a safe and practical way to co-sleep. You can see and reach your child without leaving your bed. you could try these out come with incline settings to help with reflux and congestion as well as under-seat storage for wipes as well as muslin squares. You should always use a mattress designed for your bedside crib - second-hand mattresses are likely to be flat or worn out, which can increase the chance of SIDS.
In addition, they provide easy access for night feedings Bedside cribs are also great for mums recovering from a C-section since they can be used even when lying down. They can also assist your baby adjust to sleeping alone in their crib and build independence, while the barrier they create between your bed and theirs decreases the risk of being suffocated.
There are a variety of options, from budget-friendly to high-end. Some cribs fold and put away while others come with a bag that you can use to take them out for weekends. Take into consideration the size of your bedroom and whether the crib can fit. Your baby may be older than you think so don't get 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 and features a smart oak base. It has an anti-reflux setting, a side panel that opens and is easy to clean. It's suitable for most beds, but it could be difficult to install the divan if it's a little different.
If you're after a stylish, premium crib for your bed that comes with a mattress and a carry bag this crib from Chicco is worth considering. It's an innovative design that features a perforated bottom to increase airflow. It also features adjustable heights for your growing child. It's also easy to clean and features an under-seat storage space that is ideal for wipes, nappies and other personal baby toys.