Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. It's important that you adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the NHS and Lullaby Trust.
Our mum testers love the SnuzPod's breastfeeding-friendly drop side, 30-second open and fold mechanism and reflux incline function. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families that co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to check that the product is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps where babies could become trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This means you can easily provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This can be especially helpful for mothers recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides to prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as they could be suffocation hazards. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby safe. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, generally at the age of 6 months they will have to move into an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they let you take care of your little one without getting out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This sense of security can help you establish a positive routine for your night and increase the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
Your child should be kept in a crib beside the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At this point, it is time to switch them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until the age of 6 months, but it's crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, but you must always verify the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the crib has a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
Our mum testers who are experts have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. The crib is light and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that is attached to the side of the bed. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with mums looking for a way to bond with their baby while also being secure.
Some feature a lowering panel that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections since it can be a challenge to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are great for parents who are concerned about sharing their space with a newborn. It is important to keep in mind that if you do decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it's still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before you purchase the crib, make sure whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a suitable mattress for your new crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't want to purchase an additional crib. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and comfort them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have an attached side panel that can be lowered so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. Some cribs keep the panel in place all the time which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and requirements.
Another aspect to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it's machine washable or will you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around your home." It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents.
bedside co sleeper cot recommend you read our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for you and your baby. Remember that a crib may appear elegant and stylish, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.