Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. It is 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. It's also easy to move around thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When you are 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 to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps where babies might be trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
bedside crib travel cot of cribs with a bedside feature a panel which can be lowered so that you can securely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to easily provide comfort, feed and supervise your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from csection births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have the ability to tilt your reflux for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that have their backs rolled off are at greater risk of suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib as well because they can be suffocation hazards. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, usually at around 6 months they'll need to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed next to your bed so that you can care for your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the early years. This sense of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
You should keep your child in a crib beside 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 are able to accommodate your child up to this age, but you must review the guidelines for the crib.
When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your current bed (most clip onto standard bed frames but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mom testers. It features an adjustable height base that can be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides excellent value for price. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, air-tight mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is 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 a rise in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel closed at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some models also have a reflux incline feature, which was a favorite among many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow your baby to slip or climb out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult to get in and out of bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. However, it's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or crib, it is still a good practice to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure whether your crib for bedside is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Make sure you purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 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 a separate cot. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child from bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. There are some that 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 offer tilt options, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and history.
Another thing 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 manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room 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 be easily moved around the house." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to grandparents.
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and life style. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby to an cot before they grow out of the crib.