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 adhere to 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. Plus, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib it is crucial to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps where babies might be trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be lowered to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. This allows you to provide comfort, feed and supervise your child without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for new mothers recovering from c-section births or with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your child falling off the crib's edge, and many come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is essential in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to drown.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as they could be a hazard to suffocate. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, it's important to speak with your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest next to your bed so that you can care for your baby without having to leave your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of safety can help to establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach the age of six months old or able to push themselves up and then you should move them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be able to accommodate your child until they reach this age but it is important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your current bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the crib has a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for 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 that can be used as a standalone crib or connected to a bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. bedside crib travel of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that attaches to the bed's side. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their child while also being safe.
They typically feature the lowering panel, which you can use to safely see and touch your baby, as well as some that let you keep the panel down at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some come with an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for infants who suffer from wind or reflux.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too which allows you to place them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of the bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their infant. It is important to keep in mind that even if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it is important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get a mattress that is suitable for your new crib that is typically sold in addition 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 transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't require an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. There are cribs that keep the panel lowered all the time which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical needs and their history.
Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean and whether 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 diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and if it's simple to move it from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around your home. It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.
If you're considering purchasing a crib for your bed We suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to make sure you get the ideal crib for your baby and your life style. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.