Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside cot 6 months plus crib (also called co-sleeper) lets your baby 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 due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside crib and cot cribs can be a safe option for families who are embracing co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib 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 set to match to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps where babies might be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature a panel which can be raised to let you be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This means that you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the option of inclining reflux for babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered crib can reduce the risks of your baby rolling off the crib's edge, and many come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS because babies who have their backs rolled off are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib as they could be suffocation hazards. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby bedside crib is able to sit or stand, typically at the age of 6 months they will have to transition to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed close to your bed, so you can take care of your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the early years. This feeling of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
Your child should be kept in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up independently. At this point, it is time to switch to an older cot. bedside cot newborn cribs can accommodate your child to this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your bed (most attach to standard bed frames but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also provides great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your own bed which allows you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've been gaining popularity with moms seeking a way to bond with their newborn while remaining safe.
They typically feature a lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, as well as 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 models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings as well which allows you to place them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of bed.
The lower sides provide privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their room with a baby. It's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
Before purchasing, 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, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to buy an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide the longevity of parents who don't want to buy an additional crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your child 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 lift your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, so you can contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them completely or 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 have tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and history.
Another aspect to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. And some 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 if it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around the house." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to visit grandparents.
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. And remember that although a crib might look lovely and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly grow out of its small size. So you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.