Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you at night. It's important that you follow the official safe sleeping 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. It's also easy to move around thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their child, and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib, it is important to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps in which babies may be trapped. The cribs are equipped with an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be moved, so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This means you can easily provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can lower the chance of your child falling off the edge of the crib Many come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is important to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as well, as these can also be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To ensure your baby's safety and secure, make sure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once bedside crib with changing table can stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to tend to your infant without having to get out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your newborn during those crucial early months. This sense of security can help to establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand by themselves. At that point, you should switch them to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age but it is crucial to review the specific product guidelines.
When choosing a crib for your bed be sure it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mom testers. It has a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to a bed. The crib is light and simple to assemble. It also offers excellent value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects love it for its flexibility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
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, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with moms seeking ways to bond with their baby while staying safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel down during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow your baby to slide out or climb. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. It's important to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate mattress for your crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to buy an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting a slim, sleek frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient 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. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel in place throughout the day This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.
bedside crib with changing table are equipped with a tilt feature that can aid with colic or reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib must be done with caution and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and their needs.
Another aspect to think about is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to bring your baby along with you.
It's also important to consider how heavy the crib will be and if it's simple to move it from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking about purchasing a crib for your bed we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to ensure you purchase the best model for your baby and your lifestyle. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to get out of it.