Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during 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. It's also easy to move around thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be raised to let you safely monitor your baby during the night. This means you can easily soothe them, feed them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. describes it is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risks of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib Some come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are at greater risk of being suffocated.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib, as these can also be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is safe. When your baby can sit up or stand, usually at the age of 6 months they'll need to move to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a secure, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. best bedside cots are designed to be placed close to your bed, so you can look after your child without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the early years. This feeling of security can help establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach 6 months old or can push themselves up, at which point you should move them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib should be able to accommodate your child until the age of 6 months, but it's essential to read the guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib be sure it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and airy. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. bedside cots appreciate its flexibility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that clips onto the side of the bed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their child while remaining safe.
They usually come with a lowering panel, which you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, and some that let you keep the panel down at night for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which many of our test mums loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those infants 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 gaps that could allow your baby to climb out or slip. This is a huge 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 also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. It's important to note that if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your new crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who do not want to purchase a separate cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. There are some that keep the panel lowered throughout the day which is ideal for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer tilt options, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and their history.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and whether you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it by hand. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.
It's also important to consider the weight of the crib be and whether it is easy to move it from one room to the next. 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 easily move throughout your home." It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents."
If you're thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to make sure you get the best model for your child and your life style. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.