Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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 makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to make sure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature a panel which can be lowered to let you be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and supervise your child without having to get up. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from c section births or with mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that prevent 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 prone to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are vital to keep your baby safe. When your baby can sit up or stand, usually at around 6 months they'll need to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime offer a safe and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will let you take care of your infant without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn in those precious early months. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At the age of 6 months, you can change them to an older cot. The bedside crib will usually be suitable for your child until they reach this age, but it is crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.
When choosing a crib for your bed, make sure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.
Our mom testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, comfortable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the side of your own bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've grown in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their newborn while also being secure.
They usually have an incline panel that you can use to safely feel and see your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel down at night for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring.
bedside travel cot have a reflux incline feature, which was loved by many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.

Some cribs with adjustable height settings that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is particularly 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 offer some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. However, it's important to note that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.
Before purchasing it, you'll need to ensure whether your crib for bedside is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to buy an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't want to purchase a separate cot. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that fits 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 bag for traveling.
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 cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep.
small bedside cot of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered so that you can talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs come with a tilt feature that can help with reflux or colic. 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.
Another aspect to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move throughout your home." It folds flat, and comes with a bag for trips to grandparents.
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib We suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the ideal crib for your baby and life style. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby to an cot before they grow out of the crib.