Bedside Crib and Cot

A bedside crib or cot can be easily accessed for evening feedings and soothing. Many come with adjustable heights and an incredibly firm, flat, breathable mattress to help your baby rest deeply and comfortably.

Jasmin, a mum test participant, was impressed by the size of the crib. She said it was bigger than the standard Moses baskets yet not too large. She also loved the mesh windows and the 30 second open-folding mechanism.

Accessibility

A bedside crib (also known as a bedside bassinet, or co-sleeper) is a specifically-designed sleep solution that allows parents to keep their babies close without the risks associated with co-sleeping. It is particularly beneficial for mothers who have had C-sections, as they recover and assist them in adjusting to the swing with their child.

While it's a great opportunity to begin sharing your space with your baby, you should consider certain aspects when buying one. As a rule of thumb, you will want to ensure that the crib is secured with a wall of 12cm to stop your baby from rolling over onto your side of the bed. It must also have a simple-to-access drop-down side that allows you can reach out and take your child during the night for feeding or comforting, and it's crucial that it is placed neatly next to your bed.

The top-rated crib for bedside use is the SnuzPod 4. It is a global bestseller thanks to its Scandi design and numerous features. It has a ComfortAir technology that regulates temperature and maximizes airflow. The HALO BassiNest Essentia is another popular choice. It features an adjustable sleeping space that can be swiveled and an end wall that can be easily removed so that you can reach inside to pick baby up or comfort them. The Joie Roomie Glide has an easily collapsed side, which lets you simply push it down using your hands and it will automatically return to its upright position.

The cribs we have reviewed here can be easily placed beside your bed. They also meet the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standards, which set higher requirements for this type of product. There are a few cribs on the market that do not meet these standards, however, as manufacturers replace older models with newer safer ones, they will slowly disappear from stores. Make sure that the crib you're considering purchasing meets the new safety requirement to ensure it is safe.

Safety

A secure and safe sleeping environment is vital for your newborn's health and wellbeing. When choosing a crib or cot, always ensure that it conforms to NHS safety standards and has been approved by childcare experts, such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs provide a secure and practical sleeping solution that allows parents to keep their baby close to them, fostering bonding and reassuring them they're not in danger.

When shopping for a bedside crib bassinet or cot, ensure sure that it has a sturdy mattress with no gaps that could lead to the entrapment or suffocation. Also, make sure that the crib frame is strong and that the slats are placed not more than 2 inches apart. Verify that the mattress meets size regulations set out by EN 16890 and has been tested for strength, stability and firmness.

You should also avoid adding any items to your newborn's crib that increase the risk of suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation like blankets, pillows, and toys, unless they're specifically designed for sleeping. Avoid sleep wedges and positioners since they haven't been clinically proven to aid your baby's sleep. They can also be dangerous.

It is better to purchase a crib that has fixed sides, rather than drop sides. They are safer. Avoid cribs with mobiles that are attached, as they can create a strangulation or choking danger to your child when the string or cord becomes entangled.

Check that the crib hardware is free of sharp edges that could cause injury or scratching to your baby. Make sure that the crib bedding and mattress is properly secured, and that there aren't any loose or broken brackets or screws. Also, look for a JPMA Certification seal, since this indicates that the crib has been sample tested and has met the highest safety standards of the industry. Find the seal on the JPMA Certification Directory by selecting a category for the product.

Practicality

A bedside crib could be a good option if you want to sleep near your baby but not in the same bed. Also known as co-sleepers or bassinets at the bedside, these babies' beds attach to the sides of parents' bed, giving them a private space in which to sleep but being within reach for night feeds and soothing. This close connection strengthens the bond between children and parents, and encourages healthy sleeping patterns. Parents are also able to respond promptly to any wake-related needs throughout the night.

Many cribs come with a side panel that can be removed and then lowered so that you can see your baby and easily raise them up towards you for feeding, night nappy changes or soothing. Certain cribs feature a mesh wall that zips down and can be placed into the mattress to provide extra security. This reduces the chance of blankets or duvets falling onto your baby bedside co sleeper. The SnuzPod 4 as an example has a breathable fabric that increases airflow, which reduces the risk of being suffocated.

You can attach most cribs to your mattress or bed using straps. But, it is important to check that the straps included with the crib are compatible with the bed frame. This is especially important if you have divan-style beds. Some cribs are foldable and can be stored away when not in use which makes them a great choice for traveling.

Some cribs can be used as their own, allowing you to move them around the room as you need to. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the day, encouraging bonding and socialisation. Some cribs can be moved around, so you can move them around whenever you need to. This lets you keep your child close all day long, which encourages bonding and socialisation. They're also a great way to help your baby become more independent, as they'll learn to sleep without you at their side and will develop a self-sleeping routine.

Space

Bedside cribs are a safe and practical way to co-sleep. You can observe and reach your child without leaving your bed. Some cribs come with an incline setting that helps with reflux and congestion. Some have under-seat storage to store wipes and muslin. It is recommended to use a mattress designed for your twin bedside cot crib mattress - second-hand mattresses are likely to be flat or worn out, which can increase the risk of SIDS.

In addition, they provide easy access to food at night, wooden bedside cot cribs are great for mums recovering from a C section as they can be used while still laying down. They can also assist your baby adjust to sleeping in their crib and develop independence, while the barrier they create between your bed and theirs minimizes the risk of suffocation.

There are a myriad of options including budget-friendly models and expensive ones. Some cribs are more compact and can be folded to be stored away, while others come with a handy carry-on bag to take them on weekends away. Take into consideration the size of your bedroom and whether your crib will fit. Your baby may grow out of it sooner than expected, so don't buy too small bedside cot.

If you're looking for a crib easier to assemble it's the Cozee XL is one of the quickest to build during MFM tests. It also has a smart oak base. It also features an anti-reflux tilt setting and opening side panel, as well as being easy to clean. It's suitable for most beds, but you may be unable to install it if you have divan.

Chicco's chic bedside crib includes the mattress, a carrying bag, and a chic design. Its unique design features a perforated base which increases airflow, as well as various height adjustments for your growing baby. It is also easy to clean, and includes a handy storage space for nappies as well as wipes.