Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. But, it's crucial to follow the official safe sleeping guidelines 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 means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that 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 crucial to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps in which babies could become trapped. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature a panel which can be raised to allow you to safely monitor your baby during the night. This means that you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without getting out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your child 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 because babies who roll off their back are more susceptible to suffocation.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib as well, as these can also be suffocation hazards. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is safe. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, typically at the age of 6 months, they will need to move to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they let you take care of your baby without needing to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and increase the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they are 6 months old or can push themselves up, at which point you should move them to a traditional crib. The bedside crib should be suitable for your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's crucial to review the specific product guidelines.
When choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mom testers. It comes with a height adjustable base and can either be used as a standalone crib or attached to a bed. It is lightweight and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the sides of your bed and allows 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). Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their baby while being secure.
They usually come with a lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which most of our test mothers appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for those babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them at the same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps which could cause the baby to climb out or slip. This is especially useful for those recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult for them to get in and out of the bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it is important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
Before buying the crib, make sure whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to buy a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not need to buy an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is an model, featuring a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing back to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, so you can touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may help with reflux or colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with care 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 your crib and if you can machine wash it or if you'll have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to bring your baby along 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 the next. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around the house." bedside cot crib folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
We recommend you read our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby. And remember that although the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby will soon grow out of its small size. You'll need to move your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.