Bedside Crib and Cot
Built to be placed next to your bed, a bedside crib or cot is easy to access to feed your baby at night and provide comfort. Most feature adjustable heights and a firm, flat air-conditioned mattress that helps your baby sleep comfortably and safely.
Jasmin, a mum tester, liked the dimensions of the crib. She said it was larger than standard Moses baskets yet not too large. She also liked the mesh windows that are multiple and 30-second open-fold mechanism.
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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. It can be especially helpful for mothers who have had C-sections as they recover, and can aid them in getting into the swing with their child.
While it's a great way to get used to sharing your space with baby, there are some aspects to be aware of when purchasing one. As a general rule it is best to ensure the crib has a wall of 12cm to stop 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 over and pick up your little one in the night for feeding or comforting, and it's essential that it sits neatly beside your bed.
The top bedside crib we've found is the SnuzPod 4, which is the top-selling crib worldwide due to its Scandi-inspired design and a variety of features, including the 'ComfortAir' technology that helps to regulate temperature and maximise airflow. The HALO BassiNest Essentia is also a popular option. It has an adjustable sleeping area that swivels and a sidewall that can be easily removed so you can reach in to pick up baby or comfort them. The Joie Roomie Glide has an easily collapsible side which lets you simply push it down using your fingers and it automatically returns to its upright position.
All cribs we've analyzed for you will fit neatly next to your bed and comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety standard that introduced stricter requirements for these kinds of products. There are some cribs available on the market that don't meet these standards, however, as manufacturers replace older models with newer safer ones, they'll slowly disappear from the stores. Check that the crib you are considering buying meets the new safety standard.
Safety
Providing a safe and secure sleeping space is essential for your newborn's health and wellbeing. Choose cots and cribs that are in compliance with 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 safe and practical solution for parents who want to keep their children close. This encourages bonding and gives parents the peace of mind knowing that they aren't in danger.
When buying a bedside cot, bassinet or crib, make sure that it has a solid and flat mattress. Any gaps could cause death. Be sure that the crib frame is solid and the slats are not exceed 3/8 inches. Make sure the mattress is in accordance with EN 16890 and that it has been tested to ensure strength, stability and firmness.
Avoid putting pillows, blankets and stuffed toys in your crib unless they're specifically designed to be used for sleeping. Similarly, steer clear of any sleep wedges or positioning devices because they're not scientifically proved to improve sleep, and could pose a risk to your infant.
It is better to purchase a crib that has fixed sides rather than drop sides. These are safer. Avoid cribs with mobiles attached, as they can create a strangulation or choking risk to your child when the string or cord gets caught in.
Also, make certain to verify that your crib's hardware is free of sharp edges that could scratch or injure your child. Be sure that the crib's mattress and bedding are properly secured and there aren't any loose or broken brackets or screws. Find the JPMA certification seal. This signifies that the crib has been tested and is in compliance with safety standards. 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 do not want to share the same bed the bedside crib is a great alternative. These beds, sometimes referred to as co-sleepers or bedside bassinets are attached to the side of your bed. They offer you a private place to sleep, but are still accessible to feedings at night and provide comfort. This close connection helps strengthen the bond between parent and child, and encourages healthy sleep patterns with parents able respond quickly to any wake-up needs during the night.
A lot of cribs have an additional side panel that can be taken down at night and then left. This allows you to observe and feed your baby or change their nappy at night. Some cribs come with a mesh wall that zips down and can be placed into the mattress for additional security. This eliminates the risk of duvets or blankets falling onto your baby. The SnuzPod 4, as an example, has a ventilatory material that improves airflow and lowers the risk of the suffocation risk.
You can attach most cribs to your mattress or bed by using straps. But, it is important to make sure that the straps provided with the crib will fit the bed frame. This is especially crucial if you have a divan-style bed. Some cribs can be folded up and away when not in use which makes them a great choice for travel too.
Some cribs can be used as their own which allows you to move them around the room as you need to. 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 you need to, allowing you to keep your baby close throughout the day which encourages bonding and socialisation. These cribs are also a great option for helping your baby to be more independent. They will be able to sleep independently and establish routines.
Space
The bedside crib offers an efficient and secure way to co-sleep with your baby, allowing you to view and reach your baby easily without having to step out of your own bed. Some cribs also come with incline settings to can help with congestion and reflux and others have practical under-seat storage space for wipes and muslin squares. Always use a mattress that is designed for your crib. Second-hand mattresses may be too flat or worn-out, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs can be utilized by mothers recovering from a C Section. They can also be used while lying down. They can also help your baby adjust to sleeping in their own crib and build independence, while the wall they create between your bed and theirs decreases the risk of being suffocated.
There are a lot of options to choose from including budget-friendly and high-end. 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 out on weekends. Take into bedside crib to cot of your bedroom and whether the crib can fit. Your baby may grow out of it sooner than expected so don't get too small.
If you're seeking a crib that is easier to assemble, the Cozee XL is one of the quickest to put together during MFM tests. It has a smart oak base. It has an anti-reflux option as well as a side panel which opens and is easy to clean. It's suitable for most beds, but it could be difficult to put in the divan if it's a little different.
If you're looking for a chic bedside crib that comes with the mattress as well as bags for carrying, this option from Chicco is worth looking into. It has an innovative design that features a perforated bottom to increase airflow. It also features an adjustable height to accommodate your growing child. It is also easy to clean, and it comes with a handy under-seat storage space for nappies as well as wipes.