Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. However, it's 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 easy to move around due its slim frame.

Safety

Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant, and avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.

When selecting a bedside crib it is crucial to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.

Most bedside travel crib cribs have a panel that can be lowered so that you can safely see 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 can be especially helpful for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies with reflux or digestive issues.

A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides to prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS because babies who roll off their back are more susceptible to suffocation.

Keep dummies and soft toys away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby safe. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you're worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.

Comfort

The best cribs for beds provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can look after your baby without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and improve your baby's overall sleep quality.

It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach the age of 6 months old or can climb up, at which point you can move to a traditional cot. The bedside crib should be suitable for your child until they reach this age, but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.

When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your current bed (most attach to standard bed frames, but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). Also, ensure that your chosen bedside crib and travel cot crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital to the health of your baby.

Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also offers great value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside crib with wheels crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've been gaining popularity with mothers looking for ways to bond with their newborn while staying safe.

Some come with a lowering screen that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed at night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some have an incline function for reflux too that most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those children who suffer from wind or reflux.

A lot of cribs for bedside crib with changing table have adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to get in and out of the bed.

The lower sides offer privacy and are great for parents who are concerned about sharing their space with a newborn. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot beside your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.

Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a mattress that is suitable for your new crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some bedside sleeper cot cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to invest in an additional crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is a prime example, with a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of room for your child to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Convenience

One of the best things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to contact and talk to your little one without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel down all the time which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.

Some cribs have tilt options, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib must 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 the crib is to clean and whether it's machine washable or will you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.

It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and whether it is easy to move from one room to the next. Jasmine, 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 folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.

If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside we suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to make sure you get the ideal crib for your baby and your life style. And remember that although a crib may appear beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. So you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.