Searching For Inspiration? Try Looking Up Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside Cot Crib
A bedside cot crib allows you to sleep in a safe environment with your infant without putting your baby at risk of overheating or death by suffocation. These cot cribs attach to the bedside and are especially helpful for mothers having a c-section who find it difficult to get out of bed.
MFM home tester Emily found this bedside crib simple to put together and loved the mesh window for breathability and baby visibility. It also folds flat, and fits into an ideal travel bag.
Safety
A crib that is bedside is a new crib that connects seamlessly with the parents' beds to give them a convenient way to take care of their infant during the night. The crib lets parents easily reach their baby so that they can soothe or feed them without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who be suffering from sleep deprivation in the first few months. It also helps to promote the growth of the baby by providing a secure and comfortable environment for sleeping.
A top-quality bedside crib will have a strong connection and an anti-slip design on the foot of the bed. This helps to reduce the chance of accidents that could hurt your baby. cots4tots have to meet safety standards such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure your baby is safe and secure when they sleep. Make sure the mattress that comes in your crib is firm and not soft. Also, check for any gaps or holes that could increase the danger of suffocation.
You should also be wary of using duvets, pillows or baby bumpers in your child's crib unless they're designed specifically to be used with a crib or cot as they could pose a serious hazard and may not be safe. Also, make sure that any toys or items your baby plays with in the crib are securely secured, and that they do not protrude too far of the crib's edges.
If you're unsure about a certain piece of equipment, you can ask other parents in a NCT group or at a baby cafe for advice and look for a product that is new and meets current safety standards, rather than second-hand or hand-me-downs. If you're going to buy a crib that is used, be sure to check it thoroughly for damage and ensure all the parts are there prior to purchasing it.
A bassinet is an alternative. It's like a crib but is usually fixed to your bed. It doesn't have legs. They are great for newborns, and are great for those recovering from an o-section. They keep your baby close to you at all times.
Size
Keep baby right next to you during the night with the Sweet2Sleep bedside crib. Ideal for feeding at midnight, heartfelt cuddles and comfort checks while you stay cosy in your own bed, this clever crib is packed with features to help you bond with and soothe your baby. You can easily raise or lower the crib's side rail with only one hand, to help soothe and comfort your child for a safe way to monitor sleep. It also has a gentle rocking mode as well as an incline function to ease the symptoms of reflux, including indigestion or tummy pain.
It comes with a huge storage area underneath the crib that's perfect for nappies or blankets. And it's designed to be used with divan beds (check the specs because some might require longer straps) and you don't need to worry about the frame of your bed. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size and sturdy and easy to move from room to room. She added that it's a little heavier than some cribs for beds however this is due to the additional features like an adjustable rocking mode as well as a reflux incline.
Firm mattresses are among the most important things to look for when choosing a crib. This reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) since mattresses with soft surfaces increase the risk of the suffocation. A mattress that is firm will be better for your baby's health, since it is more comfortable and promotes healthy spinal development.
You can purchase a crib mattress separately. However, we recommend that you purchase a high-quality model to give your baby the best quality sleep. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and is of the correct size for your child.
If you're considering buying a cot bed for your bed it's a good idea to do some careful shopping around to make sure you're getting the best deal. Black Friday is a great occasion to buy these cribs at a discount. But remember that it's recommended to purchase a crib from the manufacturer directly so that you can be sure of its quality and that it meets the necessary safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is an attached bassinet that you can place next to your bed. These cribs are great for keeping your baby close so that you can access them easily for night feedings and soothe them back into sleep during nap time. They're also a godsend for mothers recovering from c-section births, who can struggle to get up to tend to their baby during the night.
There are many different styles to choose from, but you should look for the following characteristics:
Can it be cleaned with a machine or does it require a hand-washable mattress cover? How big is the bed and can you lower or raise it to make it more suitable? It is easy to move and how heavy is it?
Mum test subject Jasmine particularly loved the fact that the crib is able to swivel, making it easier to reach in and out of to take her newborn. She also liked the size, saying that it is not as large as a standard crib for babies, however it is bigger than standard Moses baskets. It's also a comfortable fit for her infant. It's also simple to put together and can be folded flat, making it easy to transport. Some mums found it to be a bit heavy, however, and this could be a problem for those with mobility issues.
Another option to consider is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. This crib is distinct from other cribs in that it does not have a drop-down panel and instead has an adjustable side you can lower to reach your baby. It's not as compact as other cribs when dismantled, but it is still portable and comes with a travel bag.
Some cribs can transform into a toddler bed or cot with an expansion kit. This feature is useful for families who want to increase their baby's sleeping space beyond the baby stage. However, it's not always required.
Budget
The best cribs for your bed are those that are next to your bed so you can watch your baby, change nappys at night and feed your baby without having to get up from your bed. It is easy to fold or zip the sides so you can access them in the dark. They must also be breathable to offer comfort. A lot of them will have mattresses, which are crucial since you want it to be firm and flat rather than extremely soft or lumpy.
The cost of more complicated models will be more expensive. Consider whether the crib was designed to fit your own bed or not. Some cribs are only compatible with a specific kind of divan base, which can be a problem if you have a unique bed frame.
The popular Next2me Magic crib is a good option for parents with a divan bed, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Our mums who have tested it have given it a thumbs up, saying it's made with high-quality mesh sides, which you can see your baby's face through. It comes with a shelf to store blankets or nappies and weighs just 10kg.
Another alternative is the SnuzPod4, which comes in a range of colours, and our mums have been very pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim, elegant option that offers plenty of space for babies to relax comfortably. Our mums are also awed by features, such as the incline option which aid in reducing reflux, as well as a soothing, rocking mechanism.

Both these cribs are available for PS99 or less which makes them an affordable alternative to a Moses basket if you're looking to save money on your initial purchase. Always adhere to safe sleeping guidelines and ensure that the crib you choose is safe.