A Bedside Crib That Turns Into a Cot
The bedside crib can be transformed into a crib for parents who want to keep their child close and easily accessible. However, it's important to remember that you should always follow safe guidelines for co-sleeping that are provided by The Lullaby Trust and NHS.
One MFM home tester says it's one of the easiest cribs to put together because it comes with clear instructions and neat zips to keep pieces together. It also has a beautiful design.
Size
The size of the baby's crib is important to consider. You want to ensure that it fits comfortably on your bed and is easy to access particularly when you're recovering from a C-section. Some cribs for bedside attach directly to your mattress and have an extra safety barrier that makes it easier for you to reach your baby and prevents the baby from falling off.
Other cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that slides down at night, offering you a safe place for your baby to sleep. This is a great option for parents who are worried about suffocation or the possible risk of SIDS. It is crucial to remember that you should still not sleep with your baby in a crib until they are at least six months old.
If you're looking for an upholstered bedside cot that transforms into a crib, select one with a ventilated mat and mesh panels on the sides so that you can see the baby. This will help keep baby cool during the night and allow you to observe them without disturbing them. Pick a crib that is suitable for your bed type. Some cribs are only compatible with divan beds, while others can be slid onto a traditional bed frame.
The Snuz Pod is a best-selling bedside crib that is able to convert into a cot up to 18 months making it the ideal option for parents with young children. It is easy to assemble and attach to your bed. It also comes with a travel bag. Its unique "ComfortAir" technology maximises airflow and regulates the temperature, ensuring a comfortable night's rest for your little one. It also tilts, which is a great feature for babies with reflux or colic, although you should always use this with care and adhere to the advice of your physician or health professional. Many MFM test subjects appreciate its swivel feature that allows you to touch the baby without disturbing him.
Safety
When used correctly, an upholstered bedside cot that transforms into a crib is a safe option for sleeping with your child. These cribs attach on the side of your mattress which allows you to reach your baby safely to feed and comfort them without having to leave your bed. They can also improve your sleep and aid you establish healthy sleeping habits for your baby and you. However, it is important to select a secure and comfortable crib that meets the appropriate safety standards.
If you are considering purchasing a bedside crib, make sure that it is JPMA certified and adheres to British Safety Standards. It should also be free of any dangers, like corner posts that could catch your baby's clothing and create a place where they could be trapped. Moreover, it should be firm and not too soft to reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or suffocation.
You should also examine the crib's mattress for any rips or gaps that could increase your baby's chance of entrapment. If you spot any, you should contact the manufacturer to request a repair or replacement kit. You should also regularly check the crib's bolts and screws to make sure they are in good condition and secure.
It is also important to ensure that the area around the crib free of pillows, duvets, and other items which could cause suffocation. Make sure your mattress is breathable and test the firmness of your crib's mattress regularly to prevent from suffocation.
When your baby is old enough to go to a normal bed, you should replace the mattress in the crib and move it away from the wall. This will help your baby develop an independent sleeping pattern and reduce the risk of falling off the bed, which can lead to suffocation and SIDS. You should also remove the crib once your child is able to sit or stand up. This is typically about six months old. Afterwards, you should think about a bassinet or a different sleeping arrangement.
Design
Sometimes, they are referred to as bedside cribs, or co-sleeping cribs They attach to your bed so you can keep an eye on your baby all night long and during nap time. Some cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can lift the baby out of the crib and back in. This allows you to sleep with your baby without risk and is a great option for mothers who are recovering from the C-section. Other cribs will pop up after you have lifted your baby from the crib, which means they're safe to use as a standalone crib during the first few months of your child's life when they are still a baby.
The latest version of Snuz's much-loved bedside crib is sleek and slim, so it can be easily tucked in on top of all beds. It comes with a variety of technological features to simplify your life. bedside cots comes with ComfortAir technology that is breathable and a reflux inclined option to aid your child with any symptoms. It's also a bit bigger than other bedside cribs with a higher sleep height and therefore your baby won't get out of it as quickly.
Another bedside crib that converts into an upholstered cot that's popular with MFM home testers is this model from American safe sleep brand HALO. It has a simple, compact fold that is easy to move from room to room, making it ideal for holidays and trips to grandparents home. Its 30-second mechanism enables rapid and simple assembly, while the streamlined design reduces the amount of small areas where dust can accumulate.
MFM's own mum tester Jasmine says it's the ideal size for her baby, with enough space for her to be capable of reaching her in case she gets up in the night. She also likes that the mattress is firm, unlike other crib mattresses that are too soft and vulnerable to losing their shape in time. It is crucial to remember that you will need to purchase a mattress that is separate from your crib, so don't be tempted to buy a second-hand mattress because this could increase the risk of SIDS.
Cost
A bedside crib that converts into a cot could be a great option for new parents who want to keep their child close during the night. It can also make feedings at night and early morning nappy changes much simpler. However, these practical accessories aren't always inexpensive. Luckily, Black Friday 2024 is the perfect time to score the best price on these sleep aids.
When you browse your options, make sure you choose cribs with breathable fabrics and mesh side panels that keep your baby cool during the summer. The best cribs are adjustable to the height of your bed. A few other considerations include how easy it is to clean (check for waterproof covers and whether or not they are able to be removed for washing) as well as age-appropriateness and additional features such as rocking functions, incline settings and the capability to convert into an older moses basket.
If you are on an extremely tight budget, consider a crib without batteries or electricity. These can add up. Select a crib that doesn't outgrow your child before six months. This is a cheaper option than a full-size crib.

The best bedside cribs which transform into a cot come with the assurance of safety and meet the latest guidelines for safe sleeping. Check that the cot meets the Lullaby Trust code for safe sleep, and also is equipped with the appropriate barrier to stop your baby from falling off their bed into yours. There are many older cribs that don't meet the new standards. However, there are still some available.
The bassinett-style HALO BassiNest is a great option for families that are budget-conscious. This crib for bedside use comes with many useful extra features such as a swiveling mechanism that allows you to raise your baby towards you for feeding during the night or soothing back to sleep. It's also a great choice for new mums recovering from c-sections because it is a safe alternative to co-sleeping. The BassiNest is also less expensive than its rivals and is available in a variety of colors to match any style.