Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you at night. It is essential to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines of 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 an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents have a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps where babies might be trapped. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be moved, so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means you can easily provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the option of inclining reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your baby rolling off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep baby bedside sleeper and soft toys away as they can be risky for suffocation. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is safe. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to tend to your baby without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This sense of security can help establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up on their own. At the age of 6 months, you can change to an older cot. The bedside crib should be able to accommodate your child until they reach this age but it is essential to read the product guidelines.
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 a standard bed frame but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and airy. This is essential for your baby's health.
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 stand-alone crib, or connected to the bed. The crib is light and easy to set up. It provides great value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects love it for its versatility, comfortable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that clips onto the side of the bed. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their child while being secure.
Some have a lowering panel that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was loved by many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too which allows you to place them on the same level 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, as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. It's important to note that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your own bed.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a mattress that is suitable 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 transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't want to purchase a separate cot. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib allows you to easily lift your child from bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that drops down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your child without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel down throughout the day which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have a tilt feature that can aid with colic or reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib should always be done with care and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and their needs.
Another aspect 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. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some cribs are equipped with a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel in case you need to take your baby along.
It is also important to think about 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 tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around your home." It folds flat, and comes with a bag for trips to visit grandparents.
If you're considering buying a crib that is bedside we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.