Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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 makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mothers want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their baby and to avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs have a firm, flat mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and monitor your child without having to leave bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from csection births or those who have mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
bedside crib and travel cot that is lower will lower the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS as babies who roll off their back are at greater risk of dying from suffocation.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby can sit up or stand, generally at around 6 months, they will need to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you're worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed next to your bed so that you can care for your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This sense of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and increase your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach the age of six months old or able to climb up and at that point, you can move to an old-fashioned cot. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mom testers. It has a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to a bed. The crib is light, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, air-tight mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that attaches to the side of the bed. This lets you 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 being secure.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some let you keep the panel closed in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some come with an incline function for reflux too that many of our test moms liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well which allows you to place them on the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a space with their infant. It's important to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it's recommended to follow guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
It is also important to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame before buying - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your new crib which is usually sold separately to the crib and must 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 need to buy an additional crib. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, featuring 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 bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with a tilt feature that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and their history.
Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration how heavy the crib will 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 alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It also can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside, we recommend you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to make sure you get the best model for your baby and your life style. Remember that a crib may appear elegant and stylish, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll have to transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.