Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. However, it's important to follow 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. It's also easy to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their child and to avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps in which babies may be trapped. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means you can easily soothe them, feed them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
best bedside cot for newborn lowered crib can lower the chance of your child falling off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to prevent the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are more at risk of dying from suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib as well, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, typically at the age of 6 months they will have to move to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This gives you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and increase your baby's overall sleep quality.
Your child should be kept in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand by themselves. At this point, it is time to change them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age, but it is crucial to review the specific product guidelines.
When choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your existing bed (most attach to standard bed frames, but you should always double check the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the bedside crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mum testers. It comes with an adjustable height base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to the bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've been gaining popularity with mothers looking for a way to bond with their infant while staying safe.
Some have a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel closed at night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Certain models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was appreciated by many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings permitting you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their newborn. It's important to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it's still best to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before purchasing it, you'll need to ensure that your bedside crib will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to buy an appropriate mattress for your crib. bedside crib vs cot are usually sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not need to buy an additional cot. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
A bedside crib allows you to easily lift your child out of the bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them back to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel lowered throughout the day - this is great for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical needs and the history.
Another aspect to consider is how easy it 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 that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel in case you need to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and light enough for it to be easy to move around your home. It also folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your child and your life style. Be aware that a crib might appear elegant and stylish but your baby will soon outgrow it. So you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.