What Is a Bedside Crib?

Bedside cribs are bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to keep your baby close to feed them without fuss and calming throughout the night. These are perfect for mothers who are recovering from a C-section.

It's also important to remember NHS guidance and Lullaby Trust recommendations that a baby should be in their own home with a separate sleeping area.

It is designed to be positioned on one side of the parent's bed

A bedside crib offers new parents the convenience of keeping their infant close to them throughout the night. It allows parents to be close to their child without needing to get up. It also encourages bonding, and secure sleeping habits. However, this kind of co-sleeping has been associated to risks for safety, such as overheating, suffocation and falls. The NHS recommends that co-sleeping be stopped by the time a child is six months old.

They are available in various sizes and can be adjusted to fit most standard beds. They are lightweight and portable making them easy to transport from room to room. Some models have a side wall which can be adjusted to allow you to reach the baby for feeding. Some models include an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and even clothes. One mum test participant described her SnuzPod as "perfect" for breastfeeding her baby, stating that it was "a more spacious than standard Moses baskets, so he was comfy inside and was not in the way."

Many cribs come with adjustable height settings to be able to match the bed of the parent. This helps to prevent the mattress from sinking and also reduces the possibility of gaps or loose parts that could entangle or hurt your baby. A mattress that is of good quality should be breathable, which will provide your baby with a comfortable and peaceful sleep.

You'll need to cover your crib well, to ensure it is not ruined by spills and stains. It is recommended to use a mattress protector that is breathable and it's worth investing in an infant-safe set of accessories such as a fitted sheet and teether. You'll also need a nappy tray and other items to ensure your baby is secure and comfortable in their crib for the first few nights.

Height settings that can be adjusted

The bedside crib is a safe sleep solution for your baby. It can be placed on either side of the bed. It is also portable, which means you can bring it with you when you move rooms. It's also available in different sizes and colors to fit your home.


As your child gets bigger, you will need to lower their crib mattress. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you lower the mattress to the ground when your child is about 35 inches tall. To make it easier, you can raise the mattress by using pillows or a towel. You can make use of a ruler to determine the height of the mattress.

It is time to lower the crib if you notice your baby's falling. This is crucial for your baby's safety. It could be risky for your baby when they fall out of their crib and strike their head. You should call emergency services if they're bleeding or unconscious.

To lower the crib, you'll need to unscrew the foot screws and slowly lower the mattress until it is at the desired level. The next step is to screw the foot screws in and ensure that the mattress is secured. Use stainless steel screws as they are safer than wooden screws. Make sure you use a child-safe paint or varnish. You may also consider using a heavy object to add extra stability.

Access to baby's room is easy

Bedside cribs are a great option for new parents who want to keep their child close to them during the night. The cribs are connected to your bed and look like the bassinet. This allows you to easily reach your baby for feeding or comfort. However the Lullaby Trust and NHS advise that babies should sleep in their cribs as co-sleeping can increase the risk of suffocation, overheating and sudden infant death syndrome.

The majority of models have an adjustable or drop-down side to allow you to reach your baby easily and without having to climb over large obstacles. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from C-section. It is important that the mattress is flat and airy. It should not be too soft, as it can cause excessive heat and lead to suffocation.

Other things to look out for include whether the crib folds flat to store, if it has a waterproof cover (to keep away leaky nappies or drips), and if the fabric is machine washable. Some cribs have additional features such as rocking (great for fussy babies) and tilting (although this should be used with caution).

It is also important to ensure that the crib is compatible with your bed frame, and that it has a secure clip on system. Some cribs fit straight onto divan beds, while others have longer straps that are designed to wrap around the entire base of your bed. Some cribs aren't compatible with certain types of bed frames, such as sleigh beds. It is also a good idea, to ensure that the crib is in compliance with the safety standards established by British safety authorities.

Safe sleeping position

Bedside cribs are a safe place for your baby to sleep while also providing them with a place to rest. These cribs are lightweight and easy to put together, making them an ideal choice for parents who do not wish to get up in the morning to feed or soothe their babies during the night. Some models also have a swivel feature, making it easier to reach your baby without causing disturbance. If you're recovering from a C-section, this feature can be particularly beneficial for you.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be adjusted to let you feel and touch your baby during the night, which some mothers consider very useful for cuddling. It is important to keep in your mind that you should not share your bed with a newborn no matter if they're sleeping in a crib, bassinet or bedside sleeper. Being close to bedside baby bed could be too much of a distraction and could cause you to fall asleep while breastfeeding or comforting them.

It is also important to always place your baby on their backs in a crib, bassinet or bedside sleeper. This position reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and allows optimal airflow. It's also crucial to avoid placing pillows blankets, duvets, blankets or toys in your baby's sleep area. These items could impede their breathing and create dangerous gaps.

Verify compatibility prior to purchasing a bedside crib. For example, some models are only compatible with a divan bed, and will not work with other beds. Double-check the mattress's size and make sure it doesn't have any holes or lumps which could cause suffocation.

Tilt option

A tilt option on the best cribs for bed allows you to gently rock your baby back and forth to soothe them if they wake in the middle of the night. This feature is useful if your baby suffers from reflux or colic as it will help to alleviate the symptoms. But, you should only use this tilt function with extreme caution because it could expose your baby to the risk of falling down the crib's side and causing injuries. If you have any concerns regarding this feature, speak to your physician or health care professional.

The best bedside cribs include a variety of features that make life easier for new mothers, including an opening side panel and anti-reflux incline. The latest version of Snuz Crib comes with all these features and more, including the 360-degree swing, which makes it easier to reach your child and ensure that they are secure.

Another popular option is the Chicco Next 2 Me crib It is simple to assemble and fits the majority of beds. It comes with six height options and can be used in an incline position for reflux sufferers. It also comes with a washable mattress and is easily carried in the bag included.

Other bedside cribs are designed to be affixed to a divan bed and can be more difficult to put in due to the longer straps to place them under the bed. It's worth checking how these attach to your bed frame and whether they are sturdy enough, since a poorly secured crib could slip and leave a gap where your child can be trapped. Make sure it is a good fit in your bedroom, and if the crib is in keeping with your decor.