Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. However, it's 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. Its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps in which babies might be trapped. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be lowered, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can easily provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This can be especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have the ability to tilt your reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose suffocation risks. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby safe. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, typically at around 6 months, they will need to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your little one without having to get out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This sense of security will help establish a positive routine for your night and increase your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up on their own. At that point, you should switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the crib has a sturdy, flat mattress which is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mom testers. It comes with an adjustable height base and can be used as a standalone crib or connected to a bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the sides of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without any risk 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 spend time with their baby while also being safe.
They usually have a lowering panel, which you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as some that let you put the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some come with an incline function for reflux too which most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap which could allow your baby to 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 while your body heals.
The lower sides offer privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, featuring a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
baby bedside co sleeper of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with a tilt feature that can help with reflux or colic. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know the medical needs of their child and the history.
Another thing to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around your house. It can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib, we recommend you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the ideal crib for your child and your lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.