Bedside Crib and Cot
Designed to fit next to your bed, a bedside crib or cot is easily accessible for night feeds and comforting. Most cribs have adjustable heights, and a firm mattress that is flat and breathable. This helps your baby to sleep safely and deeply.
Jasmin the mother tester, was pleased with the dimensions of the crib. She said it was larger than standard Moses baskets but not too big. She also appreciated the multiple mesh windows and 30-second open-fold mechanism.
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A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper, or bedside bassinet, is specifically designed sleep solution that allows babies to sleep close to their parents without the risks of co-sleeping (like rolling off the parent's mattress or getting suffocated). It is particularly beneficial for mothers who have had C-sections while they recover and aid them in getting into the swing with baby.
While it's an excellent method of getting used to sharing space with your baby, there are a few considerations you should consider when purchasing one. In general, you will want to make sure that the crib has an enclosure of 12cm to prevent your baby from rolling over onto your side of the bed. It should also have a convenient drop-down side so that you can reach out and take your child at night to feed or comforting. It's crucial that it is placed well close to your bed.
The most highly-rated crib we've seen is the SnuzPod 4. It's the top-selling crib worldwide due to its Scandi design and array of features, including a specialized "ComfortAir" technology that helps to regulate temperature and maximise airflow. Other options that are popular include the HALO BassiNest Essentia, which features a swiveling sleeping area and a sidewall that can be lowered effortlessly to allow you to easily reach in to pick up baby or soothe them. Similarly, the Joie Roomie Glide has an easily collapsible side which allows you to simply push it down with your hand and then it will automatically return to its upright position.
All of the cribs that we've reviewed can easily be placed on top of your bed. They also meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards, which establish higher standards 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 newer safer ones, they'll slowly disappear from the stores. Make sure you check the crib you're thinking of purchasing has this new safety requirement to ensure it is safe.
Safety
It is essential to provide a safe and secure environment for your baby. Find cots or cribs that meet NHS safety standards, and have been endorsed by childcare professionals such as the director at the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs are a safe and practical sleeping solution that allows parents to keep their child close to them, encouraging bonding and reassuring them that they're not in danger.
When buying an upholstered bedside cot, bassinet or crib, make sure that it has a sturdy and flat mattress. Any gaps could cause suffocation. Also, ensure that the crib frame is sturdy and that the slats are placed no more than 3/8 inches apart. Verify that the mattress is in line with EN 16890, and that it has been tested to ensure solidity, stability, and firmness.
Also, you should avoid putting in any items to your newborn's crib that increase the danger of suffocation, entrapment or strangulation, such as pillows, blankets and toys, unless they're specifically designed to be used for sleep. Also, avoid any sleep wedges or positioning devices as they're not clinically proved to improve sleep, and could pose a risk to your infant.
It is a good idea to buy a crib that has fixed sides, as opposed to those that have drop sides, as these are considered safer. It is also recommended to avoid cribs with mobiles attached because these can pose a choking hazard and strangulation risk if the string or cord is entangled around your baby's neck.
Also, make sure to ensure that your crib's hardware is free of any sharp edges that could scratch or injure your baby. Make sure that the crib mattress and bedding are properly secured, and that there aren't any loose or broken brackets or screws. Find the JPMA certification seal. This means that the crib has been tested and is in compliance with safety standards. Look for the seal on the JPMA Certification Directory by selecting a category for the product.
Practicality
A bedside crib is an excellent option if want to sleep near your baby but not in the same bed. Also called co-sleepers or bedside bassinets, these babies' beds attach to the sides of the bed parents sleep in and provide them with a private area to sleep but still within reach for feedings at night and comforting. This close connection helps strengthen the bond between the parent and child, and helps to promote healthy sleep patterns and parents who are able to respond quickly to any wake-up needs during the night.
Many cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered and then lowered so that you can observe your baby and lift them out towards you for feeding, changing nappy or just for calming. Some cribs even have a mesh wall that zips down and can be folded up and tucked into the mattress for additional security, removing the possibility of stray blankets or duvets falling on top of your baby. The SnuzPod 4 for instance has a air-flow-enhancing fabric that allows for more airflow, reducing the risk of being suffocated.
You can attach most cribs to your bed or mattress using straps. However, you should check that the straps included with the crib are compatible with your bed frame. This is particularly important if you own a divan-style bed. Some cribs can also be folded away and stored when not in use making them an ideal choice for travel too.
The best cribs are designed with practicality in mind, and they're often loved by mothers who have had a c-section birth because it makes it easier for them to access their baby without having to leave the bed during recovery. Some cribs can even be utilized by themselves, which means you can move them around the room as needed and keep your baby close throughout the day too which encourages bonding and socialisation. They're also a great method to help your baby become more independent, as they'll be able to fall asleep without having you at their side and will establish a routine for self-sleeping.
Space
The bedside crib offers an efficient and secure way to sleep together, allowing you to see and reach your baby easily without having to step out of bed. Some cribs also have incline settings that aid in reducing reflux and congestion and others have practical under-seat storage for wipes as well as muslin squares. Always choose a mattress that is designed for your crib. Mattresses that are second-hand may be too flat or worn out, which can increase the risk of SIDS.
In addition to offering 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 while lying down. They can assist your baby become comfortable sleeping in their crib by themselves and also help them gain independence. The wall they create between your bed and theirs decreases the chance of being suffocated.
There are a myriad of options from budget-friendly models to high-end ones. Some cribs are more compact and can be folded up to store away, while others come with a handy travel bag that allows you to take them on weekends away. Consider the size of your bedroom and if your crib can fit. Your baby could get out of it earlier than expected so don't purchase too small.
The Cozee XL crib is easy to put together and has a stylish oak base. It also comes with an anti-reflux tilt setting and opening side panel, plus it's easy to clean. large bedside cot is suitable for most bed frames, however it might be difficult to fit when your divan is slightly different.
If you're looking for a stylish, premium bedside crib that includes a mattress and an accompanying bag, this option from Chicco is worth considering. Its unique design features an open base that increases airflow, and it has an array of height adjustments for your growing baby. It is also easy to clean and comes with a handy under-seat storage space for nappies as well as wipes.