Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. It is essential to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines of 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 simple to move around due to its slim frame.

Safety

Many new mums are looking for the comfort of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. 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.

When choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to check that the product meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs have a firm, flat mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.

Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be adjusted to allow you to securely monitor your baby at night. This means that you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.

A lower panel can lower the chance of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib Some have mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS because babies who roll off their back are more susceptible to being suffocated.

It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as well as they could be a hazard to suffocate. A breathable crib mattress and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby safe. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at about 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health professional.

Comfort

The best bedside cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they let you take care of your baby without getting out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your newborn in those precious early months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.

You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand by themselves. At this point, it is time to switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you must check the product guidelines.

When choosing a bedside cot for twins cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your current bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy, flat mattress which is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.

Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.

Space

A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the side of your own bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their infant while being secure.

Some have a lowering panel that you can use for secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was a favorite among many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.

Many bedside sleeper cot cribs have adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to get in and out of bed.

The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. It is important to keep in mind that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it is important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.

You'll also have to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing some that clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to get a mattress that is suitable for your new crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your little one to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to put together and comes with a handy bag for traveling.

Convenience

One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your child without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. There are some that keep the panel down throughout the day - this is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.

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

Another aspect to consider is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or will you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby with you.

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 tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It also can be folded flat and comes with a travel bedside crib bag for trips to visit the grandparents."

If you're considering purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to make sure you get the ideal crib for your baby and life style. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.