Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is 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 thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their child and to avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib, 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 baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps where babies could become trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Cots 4 Tots for bed have a panel that can be lowered to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Some have mesh sides to prevent stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. 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 the age of 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any concerns about this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby's sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will allow you to take care of your little one without having to get out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This sense of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
Your baby should be kept in a crib by the bed until they reach six months old or able to push themselves up, at which point you should switch to an old-fashioned crib. The bedside crib should be able to accommodate your child until they reach this age but it is crucial to review the specific product guidelines.
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 should always double check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mom testers. It comes with a height adjustable base and can either be used as a standalone crib or connected to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides great value for price. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the sides of your bed which allows 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 an increase in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their infant while remaining safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that allows you to feel and see your baby, as well as some that let you put the panel down at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some come with a reflux incline function too, which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those infants who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections since it can be difficult to get into and out of bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
You'll also have to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying some that clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate mattress for your new crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who don't want to buy an additional crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an model, sporting a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of room for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child from bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to talk and touch your baby without waking them up. There are cribs that keep the panel lowered all the time This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilt options that can help with colic and reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib must be done with care and only by a parent who knows the medical history of their child and requirements.
Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it by hand. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and light enough for it to be easy to move around your home. It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.
If you're considering buying a crib that is bedside, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might appear elegant and stylish, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.