Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep right next to you during the night. It is important to follow the 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 to room.

Safety

Many new mothers are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.

When selecting a bedside crib, it is important to check that the product is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to decrease the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.

Most cribs for bed have an adjustable panel that can be raised so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and supervise your baby without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer a reflux incline function for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.

A panel that is lower will reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS because babies who roll off their back are more at risk of dying from suffocation.

It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as they could be a hazard to suffocate. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby safe. When your baby can sit up or stand, typically around 6 months old they'll need to move into an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns about this transition, speak to your GP or a health care professional.

Comfort

The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will let you take care of your infant without having to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.

Your baby should be kept in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of six months old or able to get up and then you can move to a traditional crib. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to review the guidelines for the crib.

When choosing bedside cots for newborns Links to an external site. for your bed, make sure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the bedside crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable - this is vital to the health of your baby.

The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mom testers. It has a height adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to a bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also offers great value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside crib is a device that is attached to the side of the bed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their child while being secure.

They usually come with an incline panel that allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as some that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the ease of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Certain models also have a reflux incline feature, which was loved by many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with 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 eliminates any gap that could allow your baby to slide out or climb. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed while your body heals.

The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot beside your bed, it is important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.

You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a mattress that is suitable for your new crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can provide the longevity of parents who don't want to invest in a separate crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is an model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.

Convenience

A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs come with an attached side panel that can be lowered so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their child close.

Some cribs have a tilt option, which can help with colic and reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with care and only by a parent who knows the medical history of their child and needs.


Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean, and if it's machine washable or will you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.

It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your house. It also can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."

If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your baby and lifestyle. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant but your child will quickly outgrow it. So you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to get out of it.