Bedside Crib and Cot
A bedside crib or cot can be easily reached for night feedings and for comforting. Most feature adjustable heights and an incredibly firm, flat and breathable mattress that will help your baby sleep comfortably and safely.
Jasmin, a mum tester, liked the dimensions of the crib. She said it was bigger than the standard Moses baskets but not too large. She also loved the mesh windows and the 30 second open-folding mechanism.
Accessibility
A bedside crib (also known as a bedside bassinet or co-sleeper) is a specifically-designed sleep solution that lets parents keep their babies close without the dangers that come with co-sleeping. This is particularly beneficial for mums who have had a C-section, as they recover and help them get back to normal life with their baby.
Although it's an excellent method of getting used to sharing space with your baby, there are some considerations you should consider when purchasing one. As a rule of thumb, you will want to ensure the crib has an enclosure of 12cm to prevent your baby from rolling over onto the other side of the bed. It should have a drop-down side that is easy to reach, so you can reach your baby at any time during the night, whether it's for comforting or feeding.
The best-rated crib for bedside use is the SnuzPod 4. It's a world bestseller due to its Scandi design and a wealth of features. It comes with the ComfortAir technology that regulates temperature and maximizes airflow. The HALO BassiNest Essentia is also a popular option. It features a swiveling sleeping area and an end wall that can be easily removed so you can reach inside to pick up baby or soothe them. The Joie Roomie Glide also has a collapsible edge that you can easily fold by hand. It will then automatically return to its upright position.
The cribs we've reviewed for you here can be easily placed next to your bed and meet the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety standard which has introduced more stringent standards for these types of products. There are some older cribs that aren't up to the strict standards are available on the market however they'll gradually disappear from the market as manufacturers replace them with newer, safer models. Make sure you check the crib you're considering purchasing has this new safety requirement to be secure.
Safety
A secure and safe sleeping space is essential for your baby's health and well-being. Choose cots and 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 are a secure and practical solution for parents who wish to keep their children close. This encourages bonding and gives them assurance that they are not in danger.
When you're looking for a bedside crib bassinet or cot, ensure sure it has a solid mattress, and there are no gaps that could cause an entrapment or suffocation. Also, make sure that the crib frame is sturdy and that the slats are placed no more than 2-3/8 inches apart. Check that the mattress size is in line with EN 16890 and has been tested to ensure the strength, stability and firmness.
It is also recommended to avoid putting any items to your baby's crib that increase the danger of entrapment, suffocation or strangulation such as blankets, pillows, and toys or other items unless they're specifically designed to be used for sleep. Also, avoid any sleep wedges, or positioners since they're not clinically confirmed to improve sleep and could pose danger to your baby.
It's best to purchase a crib with fixed sides than one with drop sides. These are safer. Avoid cribs that have mobiles attached, since they could pose a strangulation and choking risk to your child in the event that the cord or string becomes entangled.
Make sure that the crib's hardware is free of sharp edges that could harm or scratch your baby. Make sure that the crib mattress and bedding are 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 that it meets safety standards. You can locate the seal by searching for a particular product category on JPMA's Certification Directory.
Practicality
A bedside crib is an ideal option if you wish to be able to sleep next to your child but not in the same bed. Also known as co-sleepers or bedside bassinets, these babies' beds attach to the sides of parents' bed providing them with a secure space in which to sleep but being within reach for night feedings and providing comfort. This close connection strengthens the bond between children and parents, and helps promote healthy sleeping habits. Parents are also able to respond promptly to any wake-related needs throughout the night.
Many cribs have an extra side panel that can be taken down at night and then left. This lets you see and feed your baby or to change their nappy at night. Some cribs have a special mesh wall that zips down and can be tucked into the mattress to provide extra security. This reduces the chance of blankets or duvets falling on your baby. The SnuzPod 4, for instance, is made of breathable material that boosts airflow and lowers the risk of suffocation.
Most cribs have straps that allow you to fix them to the sides of your mattress or bed, but it's worth checking that the straps included in your crib will work with your bed frame prior to buying especially if you own a divan bed as this may require straps that are longer. Some cribs can also be folded up and away when they're not being used making them ideal for travel too.
Some cribs can be used on their own, allowing you to move them around the room as needed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the day, fostering bonding and socialisation. Some cribs can be used independently, which means you can move them around the room as needed, enabling you to keep your baby close throughout the day too, encouraging bonding and socialization. These cribs are also a great option to help your baby be more independent. They will learn to fall asleep on their own and will develop routines.
Space
The bedside crib offers an effective and safe method to co-sleep and allows you to see and reach your baby without having to step out of bed. Some cribs have an inclined setting that helps with congestion and reflux. Others feature under-seat storage to store wipes and muslin. Always use a mattress that is made specifically for your crib. Mattresses that are second-hand may be too flat or worn out, which can increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs can be utilized by mothers who are recovering from a C-section. They can also be used while lying down. They can also assist your baby adjust to sleeping in their own crib and help them develop independence, while the barrier they create between your bed and theirs reduces the risk of being suffocated.
There are a variety of options available from budget-friendly models to expensive ones. Some cribs can be folded and stored away while others come with a bag that you can use to transport them on weekends. Think about travel cot bedside crib of your room and whether your crib will fit in there. Your baby may get out of it earlier than you anticipated so don't purchase too small.
If you're looking for a crib easier to assemble and is more affordable, the Cozee XL is one of the easiest cribs to put together during MFM tests. It also has an elegant oak base. It also features an anti-reflux incline and an opening side panel and it's easy to clean. It is suitable for most bedframes, but it may be difficult to install the divan if it's a little different.
Chicco's chic bedside crib comes with a mattress, a carry bag, and a chic design. Its unique design includes a perforated base that boosts airflow, and it comes with a range of height adjustments to accommodate your growing baby. It's also easy to clean and comes with an ideal storage area under the seat for wipes, nappies, and other baby toys.