Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. It is essential to adhere to 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 simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their child and to avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps where babies could become trapped. The cribs come with an even, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be adjusted so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This allows you to soothe, feed, and supervise your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c section births or for those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies suffering from 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 stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS because babies who roll off their back are more at risk of dying from suffocation.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you're worried about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed so that you can care for your baby without having to leave your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in the early years. This feeling of security can help to establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand by themselves. At that point, you should switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but it is important to be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, however you should always check the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mum testers. It features an adjustable height base that can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that clips onto the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've been gaining popularity with mums looking for ways to bond with their baby while also being secure.
They typically feature the lowering panel, which you can use to safely see and touch your baby, and others that allow you to put the panel down at night for the ease of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that many of our test moms loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow your baby to slide out or climb. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a baby. It is crucial to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it's recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
Before you purchase, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. Make sure you purchase the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who don't want to invest in an additional crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, sporting a slim, sleek frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient 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 during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs come with a tilt option, which can help with colic and reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and the history.
Another feature to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby with you.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around your home." bedside baby bed folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to visit grandparents.
We suggest that you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for you and your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will soon outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.