Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. It is essential 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. Additionally, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents have a separate bed for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib it is essential to check that the product meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps in which babies could become trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means that you can easily comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is important to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to drown.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib, as these can also be suffocation hazards. To keep your baby safe and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use offer a safe, comfortable place for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will allow you to tend to your infant without getting out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your newborn in those precious early months. This feeling of security can help establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach 6 months old or can push themselves up and then you should move them to an old-fashioned cot. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until this age, but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should 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 flat, firm and ventilated. This is crucial for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mum testers. It has a height adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to a bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the side of your own bed and 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 a rise in popularity among mothers who want to spend time with their child while also being 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 during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for children suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, permitting 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 because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you opt to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or crib, it is still a good practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame before buying - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others work better with divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate 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.
bedside co sleeper cot convert into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to buy a separate cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. A majority of cribs have an attached side panel that can be lowered to allow you to communicate with your baby without waking them up. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs have tilt options that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of their baby's medical history and requirements.
Another feature to think about is how easy the crib is to clean and whether it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be, and if it's easy to move from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around the house." It folds flat, and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.
We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby and you. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. You'll need to move your baby into an cot before they grow out of the crib.