A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It's important that you adhere to the official safe sleep 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to make sure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps that infants may be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can reduce the risks of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Some come with mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS because babies who have their backs rolled off are more at risk of suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib as well as they could be a hazard to suffocate. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use offer a safe and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they let you take care of your baby without getting out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security will help establish a positive bedtime routine 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 push themselves up and then you should move them to a traditional crib. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside travel crib crib be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to a standard bed frame but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to 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 either be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside cot reviews crib is a sleep space that is secured to the side of your own bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their infant while also being safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel down in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some come with a reflux incline function too which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult to get in and out of bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot by your bed, it's recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to purchasing some that clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a suitable mattress 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 cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is an model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your little one to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to touch and talk to your child without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel down constantly - this is great for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilt features that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be and if it's easy to move it from one room to the next. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to grandparents."
We recommend that you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to move your baby into a cot for bedside before they grow out of the crib.