Bedside Crib and Cot
A bedside crib or cot can be easily accessed for night feedings and for comforting. The majority of cribs can be adjusted in height and a mattress that is smooth and ventilated. This will allow your baby sleep soundly and deeply.
Jasmin the mother tester, liked the size of this crib. She said it was larger than the standard Moses baskets, but not too big. She also liked the mesh windows and the 30 second open-folding mechanism.
Ease of access
A bedside crib, also known as a bedside bassinet is a specially designed sleep solution that allows babies to sleep close to parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (like falling off the parent's bed or suffocating). It can be especially helpful for mothers who have had C-sections as they recover, and can help them get into the swing with baby.
While it's an excellent way to get used to sharing space with your baby, there are a few things to consider when purchasing one. As a rule of thumb, you will want to ensure that the crib is secured with an enclosure of 12cm to prevent your baby from rolling out and over onto the other side of the bed. It should also have an easy-to-reach drop-down side that allows you can reach out and pick up your little one during the night for feeding or comforting, and it's important that it fits well close to your bed.
The most highly rated crib for bedside use is the SnuzPod 4. It's a world bestseller due to its Scandi aesthetics and numerous features. describes it includes a ComfortAir technology that regulates temperature and increases airflow. Other options that are popular include the HALO BassiNest Essentia, which features a swiveling sleeping area and a sidewall that slides down so that you can easily reach in to bring baby into the crib or soothe them. Similar to the Joie Roomie Glide has an easily collapsed side, which lets you simply push it down with your fingers and it automatically returns to its upright position.
All the cribs we have reviewed here will fit neatly beside your bed. They also conform to the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standards, which establish higher requirements for this type of product. There are some cribs on the market that do not conform to these standards, but as manufacturers replace older models with newer safer models, they'll gradually disappear from stores. Check to see if the crib you're considering purchasing meets this new safety standard.
Safety
A secure and safe sleeping environment is vital for your baby's wellbeing and health. When choosing a crib or cot, always look for one that adheres to NHS safety standards and has been certified by childcare experts like the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. Bedside cribs are a safe and practical solution for sleeping that lets parents keep their baby close to them, fostering bonding and reassuring the baby that they're not in danger.
When you're looking for a bedside crib bassinet, or cot, be sure it has a firm mattress and no gaps that could result in the entrapment or suffocation. Make sure the crib frame is sturdy and the slats do not exceed 3/8 inches. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with the size requirements set by EN 16890 and has been examined for strength, stability and firmness.
Avoid putting blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys to your baby's crib unless they're specifically designed for sleeping. Additionally, stay clear of any sleep wedges or positioners because they're not scientifically proved to improve sleep, and could pose danger to your infant.
It's a good idea purchase a crib with fixed sides instead of cribs that have drop sides, as they are considered to be safer. Avoid cribs with mobiles attached, as they could create a strangulation or choking risk to your baby when the string or cord gets caught in.
Finally, be sure to ensure the crib's hardware free of any sharp edges which could hurt or scratch your baby. Ensure that the crib mattress and bedding are properly secured, and that there aren't any loose or broken screws or brackets. You should also look for an JPMA Certification seal as this is an indication that the crib has been tested and is in compliance with the highest safety standards of the industry. Search for the seal on JPMA Certification Directory by selecting a category for the product.
Practicality
If you'd like to be near your baby but don't want to share a bed the bedside crib is a great alternative. Also called co-sleepers or bedside bassinets, these babies cribs attach to the sides of the bed parents sleep in and provide them with a private place to rest but within easy reach for night feedings and comforting. This close contact helps to strengthen the bond between the parent and child, and promotes healthy sleeping patterns with parents able react quickly to any waking needs throughout the night.
Many cribs have an additional side panel that can be detached and lowered at night to let you view your baby easily and raise them up towards you for feeding, night changing nappy or just for calming. Some cribs have a special mesh wall that zips down and can be tucked into the mattress to provide additional security. This reduces the risk of blankets or duvets falling onto your baby. The SnuzPod 4 for instance has a air-flow-enhancing fabric that allows for more airflow, reducing the risk of being suffocated.
The majority of cribs have straps that let you secure them to the side of your mattress or bed It's important to make sure that the straps included in the crib are compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing especially if you own divan beds because this could require straps that are longer. Some cribs can be folded up and away when they are not in use, making them ideal for travel too.
The best cribs are built with practicality in mind, and they're often loved by mothers who have had c-section births because it's easier for them to reach their baby without needing to get out of bed in the recovery. Some cribs are portable, which means you can move them around as you need to. This lets you keep your child near all day long, which encourages bonding and socialisation. They're also a great method to help your baby become more independent, as they'll learn to sleep without you at their side and will establish a routine for self-sleeping.
Space
Bedside cribs are a safe and practical way to co-sleep. You can view and touch your child without leaving your bed. Some cribs come with an incline setting that aids in reducing congestion and reflux. Others feature under-seat storage to store wipes and muslin. You should always use a mattress that is specifically designed for your crib at night mattress - second-hand mattresses are likely to be too flat or worn out, which increases the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs can be used by mums who are recovering from a C section. They can also be used while laying down. They can aid your baby to learn to sleep in their crib on their own and develop independence. The wall they create between your bed and theirs decreases the chance of suffocation.
There are many options available from budget-friendly models to high-end ones. Some cribs are a bit smaller and can be folded to store away, while others come with a travel bag that allows you to take them on weekends away. Take into consideration the size of your bedroom and if your crib will be able to fit. Your baby could be older than you anticipated so don't get too small.
If you're looking for a crib easier to assemble it's the Cozee XL is one of the quickest to put together during MFM tests and features 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 all bedframes, but it may be difficult to fit if your divan is a little different.
If you're after a stylish, premium bedside crib that comes with the mattress as well as a carry bag, this option from Chicco is worth looking into. It has an exclusive design that has a perforated bottom to increase airflow. It also has adjustable heights for your growing child. It's also easy to clean and features a useful under-seat storage area for wipes, nappies, and other personal baby items.