bedside crib vs cot (click to find out more)

A bedside crib travel crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It is essential to follow 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.

Safety

bedside crib and cot cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant and to avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.

When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to check that the product meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps that infants might be trapped. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.

Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be adjusted so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This means that you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without getting out of bed, which can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies with digestive issues or reflux.

A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.

Keep dummies and soft toys away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are vital to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.

Comfort

The best cribs for bedside offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will let you take care of your little one without having to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This feeling of safety can help to establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

Your baby should be kept in a bedside crib until they reach six months old or are able to climb up and at that point, you should move them to a traditional crib. The bedside crib will usually be suitable for your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's essential to read the product guidelines.

When you are choosing a bedside crib be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). Also, ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.

The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mum testers. It has a height adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to the bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress, and reflux incline feature.

Space

A bedside crib is a device that attaches 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. Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their infant while also being safe.

Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel closed in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some models also come with a reflux incline feature, which was loved by many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.

A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too which allows you to place them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult to climb into and out of bed.

The lower sides provide privacy and are ideal for parents who are worried about sharing their space with a baby. But, it's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your child in a bedside cot used crib or cot, it's still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your own bed.

Before buying the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside cot wooden is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a suitable mattress for your new crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy a separate cot for bedside. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

Convenience

One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered so that you can talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. There are cribs that keep the panel lowered all the time This is great for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.

Some cribs are equipped with tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and history.

Think about how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it by hand. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal to travel with if you want to take your baby away with you.

Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move throughout your home." It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to grandparents.

We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for you and your baby. Be aware that even though a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to move your baby to an cot before they grow out of the crib.