Bedside Crib and Cot
A bedside crib or cot may be easily accessed for night feedings and soothing. The majority of them have adjustable heights as well as a flat, firm and breathable mattress that will help your baby sleep deeply and safely.
Mum tester Jasmin loved the crib's dimensions, saying it's much larger than standard Moses baskets, but not too big. She also liked the multiple mesh windows and 30-second open-fold mechanism.
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A bedside crib, also referred to as a bedside bassinet, is a specially-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 suffocating). It can be particularly helpful for mothers who have had C-sections as they recover and aid them in getting into the swing with baby.
While it's a fantastic way to learn to share your space with your child however, you should be aware of certain aspects when buying one. You will want to make sure that the crib has at least 12cm of wall or barrier to prevent your child from rolling over and onto your side. It must have a drop-down edge that is easy to reach so you can grab your baby at any time during the night, whether for comforting or feeding.
The top-rated bedside crib we've seen is the SnuzPod 4, which is an extremely popular product worldwide due to its Scandi design and array of features, including a specialized "ComfortAir" technology which helps regulate the temperature and maximize airflow. Other options that are popular include the HALO BassiNest Essentia that features a swiveling sleeping area and a sidewall that drops down effortlessly to allow you to easily reach in to bring baby into the crib or soothe them. The Joie Roomie Glide also has an edge that can be collapsed. can easily fold with your hand. It will then automatically return to its upright position.
All the cribs we've reviewed for you below can be easily placed next to your bed and meet the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety standard which introduced tougher requirements for these kinds of cribs. There are some older cribs that aren't up to these strict standards are still available for sale, but they will gradually disappear from the market as manufacturers replace them with new safer models. Check that the crib you're thinking of buying meets the new safety standard.
Safety
It is important to provide an environment that is safe and secure for your newborn. When choosing a crib or cot, always choose one that is affixed to NHS safety standards and has been approved by childcare experts, such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs offer a safe and practical sleeping solution that lets parents keep their infant close to them, fostering bonding and reassuring the baby that they're not in danger.
When shopping for a bedside cot, bassinet or cot, ensure sure it has a solid mattress, and there are no gaps that could result in suffocation or entrapment. Also, ensure that the crib frame is strong and that the slats are placed at least 3/8 inches apart. Check that the mattress size is in compliance with EN 16890 and that it has been tested to ensure solidity, stability, and firmness.
It is also recommended to avoid putting any items to your baby's crib that increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation or strangulation such as blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals or other items unless they're specifically designed for sleep. Avoid sleep wedges and positioning devices since they haven't been clinically proven to help your baby sleep better. They can also be risky.
bedside cot bed to purchase a crib that has fixed sides than one with drop sides. They are safer. Avoid cribs with mobiles attached, since they could cause strangulation and choke risk to your child if the cord or string becomes entangled.
Check that the crib hardware is free of sharp edges which could cause injury or scratching to your baby. In addition, make sure that the crib's bedding and mattress are properly secured and that there aren't broken or loose screws, brackets, buckles or snaps. Also, look for an JPMA Certification seal since this indicates that the crib has been tested and meets the highest safety standards in the industry. You can locate the seal by searching for a specific product category on JPMA's Certification Directory.
Practicality
If you want to sleep close to your baby but don't want to share the same bed, a crib that is placed beside it is a safe alternative. Also called co-sleepers, or bassinets at the bedside, these babies' beds attach to the side of the bed parents sleep in providing them with a secure space in which to sleep but still within reach for feedings at night and comforting. This close contact helps to strengthen the bond between parent and child, and helps to promote healthy sleep patterns and parents who are able to respond quickly to any waking needs during the night.
A lot of cribs have an additional side panel that can be taken down at night and left down. This allows you to see and feed your baby, or to change their nappy at night. Certain cribs feature a mesh wall that zips down and can be placed into the mattress for extra security. This reduces the chance of blankets or duvets falling on your baby. The SnuzPod 4 for instance is a air-flow-enhancing fabric that allows for more airflow, which reduces the risk of the suffocation risk.
It is possible to attach the majority of cribs to your bed or mattress with straps. However, you must check that the straps included with the crib will be able to fit your bed frame. This is particularly important if you have a divan-style bed. Some cribs can be folded and can be stored away when not in use, making them an excellent option for travel.
Some cribs can be used on their own, allowing 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 are portable, which means you can move them around as you want to. This lets you keep your child close all day long, which encourages socialisation and bonding. They're also a great method to help your baby feel more independent, as they'll begin to fall asleep without having you with them and develop a self-sleeping routine.
Space
The bedside crib is an efficient and secure way to sleep together and allows 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 specifically made specifically for your bedside crib - second-hand mattresses are likely to be too flat or worn out, which increases the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are often used by mums who are recovering from a C Section. They can also be used when laying down. They can help your baby get used to sleeping in their crib by themselves and help them develop independence. The wall they create between their bed and yours minimizes the chance of suffocation.
There are a variety of options to choose from including budget-friendly and high-end. Some cribs can be folded and put away while others have a travel bag that you can take them out for weekends. Consider the dimensions of your bedroom and whether the crib can fit. Your baby could get out of it earlier than you anticipated so don't get too small.
If you're looking for a crib simpler 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 has an anti-reflux incline and opening side panel, as well as being easy to clean. It's suitable for most beds, however you might find it tricky to fit when you have a divan.
If you're looking for a chic bedside crib that comes with an adjustable mattress and bags for carrying, this option from Chicco is worth looking into. Its unique design includes a perforated base which increases airflow, and it has a range of height adjustments for your growing baby. It is also easy to clean, and it has a handy under-seat storage space for nappies as well as wipes.