Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents have a separate bed for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is important that when selecting a crib for your infant, you verify to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be lowered to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. This means you can soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed, which can be especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is important for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as well because they can be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A breathable crib mattress and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once bedside crib to cot is able to sit or stand, usually 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, it's worth speaking to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable environment for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit bedside cot used to your bed, they allow you to tend to your baby without having to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This sense of security can help establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of six months old or are able to get up and at that point, you should switch to an older crib. The bedside crib is likely to be able to accommodate your child until the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your existing bed (most attach to standard bed frames but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the bedside crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight and easy to set up. It provides excellent value for price. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with moms seeking ways to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that you can use to safely feel and see your baby, as well as some that allow you to put the panel down at night for the ease of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some have an incline function for reflux too which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also have adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to climb out or slip. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it is important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited 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 itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't want to purchase a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your little one to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to contact and talk to your child without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel down 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 come with tilt options that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and their history.
Another feature to consider is how easy it is to clean, and if it's machine washable or will you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs have bags for storage, making them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around the house." It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib We suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to ensure you purchase the best model for your baby and lifestyle. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.