Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you at night. But, it's crucial to adhere to the official safe sleep 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 due to its slim frame.


Safety

Many new moms want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.

It is important that when selecting a crib for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. 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 are equipped with an even, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.

Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your child without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.

A lowered panel can also lower the chance of your child slipping off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are at greater risk of suffocation.

It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib as well because they can be suffocation hazards. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby safe. Once bedside crib or cot is able to sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old, they will need to move to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns about this transition, speak to your GP or a health visitor.

Comfort

The best cribs for bedside use offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can look after your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the early years. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

Your child should be kept in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up by themselves. At the age of 6 months, you can switch them to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to be sure to read the instructions for the product.

When choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your bed (most clip onto standard bed frames, but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the bedside crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital to the health of your baby.

Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It is height-adjustable and can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also provides great value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers love it for its versatility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.

Space

A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the sides of your bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for a way to bond with their baby while also being secure.

Some come with a lowering screen that you can use for secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel down in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Certain models also have a reflux incline feature, which was a favorite among many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.

Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to get in and out of the bed.

The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.

Before you purchase the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.

Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't want to purchase a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, sporting an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your little one to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel.

Convenience

One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the panel lowered all the time This is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.

Some cribs are equipped with a tilt feature that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and the history.

Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and if you can machine wash it or if you'll have to hand-wash it. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.

It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around the house." It folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."

We recommend that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and elegant, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. You'll need to get your baby into a cot before they move out of the crib.