Bedside Crib and Cot
A bedside crib or cot may be easily accessed for evening feedings and for comforting. Most feature adjustable heights and a firm, flat and breathable mattress that will help your baby sleep comfortably and comfortably.
Mom test subject Jasmin appreciated this crib's size, saying it's much larger than standard Moses baskets, but not too large. bedside cot reviews appreciated the multiple mesh windows and the 30-second open-fold mechanism.
Easy access
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper, or bedside bassinet, is specially designed sleep solution that allows babies to be close to their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (like falling off the mattress of their parents or being suffocated). As such, it can be particularly helpful for mums who have had a C-section as they recover and can assist them in getting back to normal life with their baby.
While it's a fantastic method to teach sharing your space with your child, you should consider certain things when buying one. It is important to make sure that the crib has at least 12cm of a wall or barrier to keep your child from falling over onto your side. It should also have an easy-to-reach drop-down side, so that you can reach over and take your child during the night for feeding or comforting. It's important that it fits well close to your bed.
The top-rated bedside crib we've seen is the SnuzPod 4. It's the top-selling crib worldwide due to its Scandi-inspired design and a variety of features, including a dedicated 'ComfortAir' technology that helps regulate the temperature and maximize airflow. Other popular options include the HALO BassiNest Essentia, which features a swiveling sleeping area and a drop-down sidewall that can be lowered effortlessly so that you can easily reach inside to bring baby into the crib or soothe them. Similarly, the Joie Roomie Glide has an easily collapsible side which lets you simply push it down with your hands and it will automatically return to its upright position.
The cribs we've reviewed for you below can be easily placed next to your bed and are compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety standard which has introduced more stringent standards for these types of products. There are some cribs available on the market that don't conform to these standards, but as manufacturers replace older models with newer safer ones, they'll slowly disappear from the market. Make sure that the model you're thinking about buying meets this new safety standard to ensure it's safe.
Safety
Providing a safe and secure sleeping environment is vital for your baby's health and well-being. When choosing a crib or cot, always ensure that it conforms to NHS safety standards and has been endorsed by childcare experts, such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs provide a secure and practical solution for sleeping that lets parents keep their infant close to them, encouraging bonding and reassuring them that they're not in danger.
When buying an upholstered bedside cot, bassinet or crib, ensure that it has a solid flat mattress. Any gaps could cause the suffocation. Make sure that the crib frame is solid and the slats don't exceed 3/8 inches. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with the dimensions specified by EN 16890 and has been tested for strength, stability and firmness.
It is also recommended to avoid putting any items to your baby's crib that increase the risk of suffocation, entrapment or strangulation like pillows, blankets and stuffed animals, unless they're specifically designed for sleeping. Additionally, stay clear of any sleep wedges or positioning devices since they're not clinically proved to improve sleep, and could be dangerous for your infant.
It's better to buy a crib with fixed sides rather than drop sides. These are safer. It is also recommended to avoid cribs with mobiles attached because these can pose strangulation and choking risk when the cord or string becomes entangled around your baby's neck.
Check that the crib hardware is free from any sharp edges that could cause injury or scratching to your baby. Be sure that the crib's mattress and bedding are properly secured and there aren't any broken or loose brackets or screws. Also, look for an JPMA Certification seal because it indicates that the crib has been tested and is in compliance with the highest safety standards of the industry. The seal can be found by searching for a specific product category on JPMA's Certification Directory.
Practicality
If you'd like to sleep near your baby but don't want to share the same bed, a bedside crib is a good option. Also known as co-sleepers or bassinets at the bedside, these babies cribs attach to the sides of the parents' bed providing them with a secure place to rest but being within reach for feedings at night and comforting. This close connection helps strengthen the bond between the parent 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 come with an additional side panel that can be lowered and kept down at night to let you observe your baby and move them towards you for feeding, night diaper changes, or even soothing. Some cribs even have a mesh wall that zips down and 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 a breathable fabric that increases airflow, which reduces the risk of suffocation.
It is possible to attach the majority of cribs to your mattress or bed by using straps. However, you must make sure that the straps provided with the crib are compatible with your bed frame. This is especially important if you have divan-style beds. Some cribs are foldable and can be put away when not in use which makes them a great option for those who travel.
Some cribs can be used as their own, allowing you to move them around the room as needed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the day, fostering bonding and socialisation. Some cribs can be used on their own, meaning you can move them around the room as needed, allowing you to keep your baby close throughout the day to encourage bonding and socialization. They're also a great method to help your baby become more independent, as they'll begin to fall asleep without having you with them and establish a self-sleeping routine.
Space
Bedside cribs are a secure and practical way to co-sleep. You can observe and touch your child without having to leave your bed. Some cribs come with an incline setting that can help with reflux and congestion. Others have storage under the seat to store wipes and muslin. It is recommended to use a mattress that is specifically designed for your crib at night - second-hand mattresses are likely to be too flat or worn out, which can increase the chance of SIDS.
In addition to providing an easy access to nighttime feedings Bedside cribs are also great for mothers who are recovering from a C section as they can be used even when still 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 the crib becoming suffocated.
There are many options available from budget-friendly models to expensive ones. Some cribs fold and stored away while others come with a bag that you can use to transport them out for weekends. You should also consider how big your bedroom is and if the crib will fit - remember your baby may grow out of it earlier than you anticipate, so don't go too small.
If you're seeking a crib that is easy to put together it's the Cozee XL is one of the most simple cribs to build during MFM tests. It also has a smart oak base. It has an anti-reflux option, a side panel that opens and is easy to clean. It's suitable for most bed frames but you might be unable to install it on a divan.
If you're looking for a stylish, premium bedside crib that comes with an adjustable mattress and a carry bag, this option from Chicco is worth a look. Its unique design features an open base that increases airflow, and it comes with various height adjustments to accommodate your growing baby. It is also easy to clean, and it comes with a handy under-seat storage space for nappies as well as wipes.