Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep with you at night. It is important to follow official safe sleeping guidance 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. Its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.

Safety

Many new mums desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their child and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.

When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of infants getting 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 adjusted to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means you can easily soothe them, feed them and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.

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

It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby secure. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health care professional.

Comfort

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

You should keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach six months old or able to push themselves up, at which point you should switch to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be suitable for your child until the age of 6 months, but it's crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.

When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and breathable. This is crucial for your baby's health.

The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mom testers. It features a height adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed. It is lightweight and easy to set up. It provides excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.

Space


A bedside crib is an attachment 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. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their baby while staying safe.

Some come with a lowering screen that allows secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was loved by many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.

Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow your baby to slide out or climb. This is especially useful for those recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to climb into and out of the bed.

The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. But, it's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.

Before you purchase it, you'll need to ensure whether your crib for bedside is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to buy a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.

Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not need to buy an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Convenience

One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. A majority of cribs have an attached side panel that can be lowered so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the panel in place constantly This is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.

Some cribs come with tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and the history.

large bedside crib to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. And some 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 the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around the house. It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.

We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your child will quickly outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.