Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. It's important that you adhere to the official safe sleep 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. Its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.

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 avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.

It is important that when choosing a crib for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in an environment where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.

Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted, so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which 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 an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.

A lowered panel can also reduce the risks of your child falling off the edge of the crib, and many have mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is essential to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.

It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as they could be suffocation hazards. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are vital to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to sit or stand, usually at around 6 months, they will need to move to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health care professional.

Comfort

The best cribs for bedside cots offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to take care of your infant without needing to get out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during those crucial early months. This sense of security can help to establish positive nighttime routines and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

You should keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they are 6 months old or can push themselves up and at that point, you can move to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age but it is essential to read the product guidelines.

When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to a standard bed frame but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and airy. This is crucial for 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 be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed. The crib is light, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside crib or cot crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your own bed, allowing you to keep your baby close throughout the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their baby while remaining safe.

They typically feature an incline panel that you can use to safely see and touch your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some come with an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants who suffer from wind or reflux.

A lot of cribs for bedside cot wooden have adjustable height settings too which allows you to place them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.

The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a space with their infant. It's important to note that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.

You'll also need to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying - some clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.

Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't want to purchase an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of room for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Convenience

A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have 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 disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel down all the time This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.

Some cribs come with tilt options that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who know the medical needs of their child and their history.

Another aspect to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it's machine washable or will you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to bring your baby along with you.

It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be, and if it's simple to move it from one room to another. 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 to take on trips to the grandparents.

We recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for you and your baby. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.