Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is essential to follow the official safe sleeping 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. It's also easy to move around thanks to its slim frame.

Safety

Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.

When selecting a bedside crib, it is important to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps in which babies might be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.

Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be adjusted to let you safely monitor your baby at night. This means you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those with 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 falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS, as babies that have their backs rolled off are at greater risk of suffocation.

Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose suffocation risks. To ensure that your baby is safe and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you're worried about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health care professional.

Comfort

The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. 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. They will also allow you to bond with your newborn in those precious early months. This sense of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.

You should keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or can climb up and then you can move to an old-fashioned cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child to this age, but you must be sure to read the instructions for the product.

When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your current bed (most attach to standard bed frames but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for your baby's health.


Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which is height-adjustable and can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside crib is a sleeping space that clips securely onto the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their child while remaining safe.

bedside crib travel cot have a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down during the night so that you can feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was appreciated by many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.

A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow the baby to climb out or slip. This is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult for them to get into and out of bed.

The lower sides offer privacy and are perfect for parents who are worried about sharing their space with a newborn. It's important to note that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or crib, it is still a good practice to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.

Before you purchase, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while others are better suited for divan beds. And bedside sleeper cot forget you'll need a mattress that is suitable for your new crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can provide the longevity of parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib for their child who is older. bedside crib and travel cot is an model, featuring a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Convenience

A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child out of the bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their child close.

Some cribs are equipped with tilting features that may help with reflux or colic. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and history.

Another aspect to consider is how easy the crib is to clean and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.

It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and if it's easy to move it from one room to another. Jasmine the 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 around the house." It also folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."

If you're considering purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and life style. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your child will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.