Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you during the night. It is 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. It's also simple to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their infant, and avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps that infants might be trapped. The cribs have a firm, flat mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This allows you to soothe, feed, and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can also reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you could try these out are concerned about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to take care of your little one without needing to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during those crucial early months. This sense of security can help to establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up independently. At this point, it is time to change them to an older cot. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age but it is important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, but you must always verify the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mum testers. It has a height-adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or attached 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 love because of its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that attaches to the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their infant while remaining safe.
They typically feature an incline panel that allows you to see and touch your baby, as well as others that allow you to keep the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some have an incline function for reflux too that many of our test moms liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for 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 eliminates any gaps which could cause the baby to climb out or slip. This is an important 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 also provide some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a space with their newborn. But, it's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.
Before buying, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate mattress for your crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, featuring a slim, sleek frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your little one to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to get 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 set to a lower level to allow you to communicate with your baby without disturbing them. There are some that keep the panel lowered all the time which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and wish 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 done by parents who know the medical needs of their child and the history.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and whether you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it by hand. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to bring your baby along with you.
It's also important to consider the weight of the crib be and if it's easy to move from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around the house." It also can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for you and your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.