Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. However, it's important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents have a separate bed for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib it is essential to make sure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to decrease the chance of infants being 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 an adjustable panel that can be lowered to let you be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This means you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are more at risk of suffocation.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, usually around 6 months old they'll need to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns about this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed close to your bed, so you can look after your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the chance to bond with your baby in those early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
Your baby should be kept in a crib at night until they reach six months old or able to climb up, at which point you should switch to an older crib. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but you must be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and breathable. This is crucial for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mom testers. It has an adjustable height base that can be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides great value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is secured to the side of your bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've been gaining popularity with mothers looking for ways to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place at night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their room with a newborn. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a crib, it is still a good practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame before buying - some clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a mattress that is suitable for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
cheap bedside cot can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the best things about a bedside crib is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed for feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, so you can touch and talk to your baby without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. There are some that keep the panel down throughout the day which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may aid with colic or reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and needs.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it by hand. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
It's also important to take into consideration how heavy the crib will be and whether it is simple to move it from one room to another. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved throughout your home." It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're considering buying a crib that is bedside We suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to ensure that you buy the best model for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. You'll have to get your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.