Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you during 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
It is important that when choosing a crib for your baby, you check to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have an adjustable panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from csection births or with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline feature for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are more at risk of suffocation.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to take care of your infant without getting out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach six months old or able to climb up and at that point, you should switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to review the guidelines for the crib.
When choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your existing bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however you should always double check the exact dimensions). Also, ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mum testers. It features a height-adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to the bed. It is light and easy to put together. It also provides great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that clips onto the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their child while remaining safe.
Some have a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel down in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was loved by many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also 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 the baby to climb out or slip. This is especially beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to get into and out of the bed.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are perfect for parents who are worried about sharing their space with a newborn. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot near your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
It is also important to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to buying it - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get a mattress that is suitable for your crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not need to buy an additional cot. 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 rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer tilt options that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with caution and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and needs.
Another feature to think about is how easy it is to clean and whether it can be washed by machine or you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby away with you.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around your house. It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and your life style. Remember that best bedside cot for newborn may appear elegant and stylish, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.