A cheap bedside cot crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with 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 thanks its slim frame.
Safety
bedside crib vs cot cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps that infants may be trapped. The cribs come with a firm, flat mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be moved, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This can be especially helpful for mothers who are 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.
A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib as well as they could be suffocation hazards. A crib mattress that is breathable 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 another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use offer a safe and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will allow you to tend to your little one without getting out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This sense of security can help 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 the age of 6 months or they are able to stand independently. At this point, it is time to change them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to check the specific specifications of the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your current bed (most are attached to standard bed frames, but you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and airy. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mom testers. It features a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to the bed. It is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides great value for price. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, air-tight mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is secured to the side of your own bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent times have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to spend time with their infant while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some come with an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test moms loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow your baby to slip or climb out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides provide privacy and are perfect for parents who are worried about sharing their bedroom with a baby. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot beside your bed, it is important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that the bedside cosleeper crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to buy an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not want to purchase a separate cot. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble 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 then soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to communicate with your baby without waking them up. There are cribs that keep the panel down all the time - this is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with a tilt option, which can help with reflux and colic. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Another aspect to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. Some cribs have bags for storage, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your house. It also folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're considering buying a bedside crib We suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and lifestyle. Keep in mind that a crib can appear beautiful and elegant but your child will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to transfer your baby into a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.
Comfort
