bedside crib vs cot (visit these guys)

A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep with you at night. But, it's crucial to follow 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. It's also easy to move around thanks to its slim frame.

Safety

Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.

It is important that when selecting a crib for your baby, you check to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in an environment where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs have an even, firm mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.

Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be lowered to let you safely monitor your baby during the night. This allows you to easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your child without having to get up. This is especially helpful for new mothers recovering from c section births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.

A panel that is lower will reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is important for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.

It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as well, as these can also be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is safe. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, typically at the age of 6 months they'll need to move to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.

Comfort

The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your baby without getting out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This sense of security can help to establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

You should keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach 6 months old or can climb up and then you should move them to an older crib. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child to this age, but you must review the guidelines for the crib.

When selecting a bedside crib ensure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.

Our mum testers who are experts have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides great value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and Bedside Crib Vs Cot reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside cot used 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 danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with moms seeking ways to bond with their baby while staying safe.

They typically feature an incline panel that you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, and some that let you put the panel down at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Certain models also have a reflux incline feature, which was loved by many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.

Some cribs with adjustable height settings that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to get into and out of the bed.

The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their room with a baby. But, it's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or cot, it's still best to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.

You'll also have to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can add the longevity of parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an model, featuring a slim, sleek frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Convenience

A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child from bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel down all the time which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.

Some cribs have tilt options, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with care and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and requirements.

Another feature to consider is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.

It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and whether it is easy to move from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough for it to be easy to move around your home. It folds flat and comes with a travel cot bedside bag for trips to the grandparents."

If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib or cot crib we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and lifestyle. Be aware that even though a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. You'll need to get your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.