Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. However, it's important to 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area 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 meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs feature a panel which can be adjusted to let you safely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c section births or with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure 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 around 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will allow you to take care of your infant without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during those crucial early months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
Your child should be kept in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At the age of 6 months, you can switch them to an older cot. The bedside crib should be able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is essential to read the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however you should always check the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which is height-adjustable and can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also offers excellent value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
you could try here is an attachment that clips onto the side of the bed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their infant while being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen that allows secure viewing and touch of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel in place during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was loved by many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings as well which allows you to place them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are worried about sharing a space with their newborn. It is important to keep in mind that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it is 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 before buying - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get a mattress that is suitable for your crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not need to buy a separate crib. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be set to a lower level to allow you to communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the panel down constantly - this is great for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs come with a tilt feature that can aid with colic or reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and needs.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib We suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and your life style. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.