Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. travel cot bedside crib is important 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.

Safety

Many new moms are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.

It is important that when choosing a crib for your baby, you check to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.

The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be moved to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without getting out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline feature for babies with reflux or digestive issues.


A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.

Keep dummies and soft toys away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. To ensure that your baby is safe, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand, typically at the age of 6 months they'll need to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.

Comfort

The best bedside cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your infant without needing to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

Your baby should be kept in a bedside crib until they reach the age of six months old or able to climb up and at that point, you should move them to an older crib. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until this age but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.

When choosing a crib for your bed, make sure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to a standard bed frame but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and ventilated. 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 that can be used as a standalone crib or connected to a bed. The crib is light, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for price. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, air-tight mattress and reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside crib is an accessory that attaches to the side of the bed. This allows you to 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 years have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their child while being secure.

They typically feature the lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, and others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was loved by many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.

Many bedside cribs also have adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow the baby to slip or climb out. This is especially beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult to climb into and out of bed.

The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot near your bed, it's still best 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 bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to get a mattress that is suitable for your new crib which is usually 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 to the life of parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Convenience

One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed for cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.

Some cribs have a tilt option, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a person who knows the medical history of their child and needs.

Another aspect to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.

It's also important to consider the weight of the crib be and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around your home. It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents."

We recommend you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for you and your baby. And remember that although a crib might look lovely and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby's going to outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to move your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.