Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It's important that you adhere to the official safe sleep 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. It's also simple to move around due its slim frame.

Safety

Many new moms want the closeness of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child and to avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.

It is important that when choosing a crib for your infant, you verify to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps where babies may be trapped. The cribs come with an even, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.

Most bedside cribs feature the option of a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to securely monitor your baby at night. This means you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, come with the option of inclining reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.

A panel that is lower will reduce the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS as babies who have their backs rolled off are more at risk of dying from suffocation.

Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be dangers of suffocation. To ensure that your baby is safe and secure, make sure 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, typically at the age of 6 months they'll need to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health care professional.

Comfort

The best cribs for beds provide an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. 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. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during those crucial early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.

It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or can get up and then you should switch to an older crib. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.

When selecting a bedside crib be sure it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and breathable. This is essential for your baby's health.

Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and easy to put together. It also offers great value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside crib is an accessory 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. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their infant while also being safe.

Some have a lowering panel that allows secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place during the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants who suffer from wind or reflux.

Many bedside cribs also have adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow your baby to slip or climb out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed while your body heals.

The lowered sides offer some privacy and are perfect for new parents worried about sharing their space with a newborn. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.

Before buying it, you'll need to ensure whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some bedside cots for newborns cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't need to buy an additional crib. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with a sleek, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your little one to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.

Convenience

A bedside crib allows you to easily lift your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and comfort them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that drops down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel in place constantly which is ideal for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn bedside cot close.

Some cribs are equipped with tilt features that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and history.

Consider how easy it is to clean the 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, baby sick and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.

It's also important to consider the weight of the crib be and if it's simple to move it from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around the house. It can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel cot bedside for trips to grandparents."

If you're considering buying a crib that is bedside we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to ensure you purchase the ideal crib for your baby and life style. And remember that although the crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its tiny size. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.