Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. It is important to follow the official safe sleeping 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 easy to move around thanks to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child and to avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is essential to ensure that when you select a crib for your child, you examine it to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps that infants could become trapped. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be adjusted, so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This allows you to easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from csection births or those who have mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS as babies who have their backs rolled off are more susceptible to suffocation.
Keep cot for bedside and soft toys away as they can be suffocation risks. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old they will have to transition to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable space to sleep your baby. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to take care of your little one without needing to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during those crucial early months. This sense of security can help you establish a positive routine for your night and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up independently. At the age of 6 months, you can change them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your existing bed (most are attached to traditional bed frames, however you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mum testers. It features an adjustable height base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to a bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that clips securely onto 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). They've grown in popularity recently with moms seeking ways to bond with their newborn while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel closed in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was appreciated by many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides provide privacy and are ideal for parents who are worried about sharing their room with a baby. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to buying it - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to get a mattress that is suitable for your new crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't require an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. There are cribs that keep the panel in place all the time - this is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's important to note that tilting the crib should always be done with caution and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and requirements.
Another aspect to think about is how easy it is to clean, and if it's machine washable or will you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel when you need to bring your baby along.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room room. 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 be easily moved around your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for you and your baby. And remember that although a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. You'll need to get your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.