bedside crib vs cot (you can find out more)

A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It is essential to follow the official safe sleeping 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 child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child and to avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.

When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs have a firm, flat mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.

Most bedside cot co sleeper cribs have a panel that can be lowered so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This means that you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.

A panel that is lower will reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are more at risk of being suffocated.

Keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be dangers of suffocation. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit or bedside crib vs cot stand, typically at the age of 6 months they'll need to move to an cot for bedside or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.

Comfort

The best bedside crib to cot cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your infant without needing to get out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn in those precious early months. This feeling of security can help establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

You should keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach six months old or are able to climb up and then you should switch to an older crib. The bedside crib should be able to accommodate your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's essential to read the guidelines for the product.

When selecting a bedside crib be sure it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is crucial for your baby's health.

Our mum testers who are experts have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.

Space

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

They typically feature a lowering panel, which you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, and some that let you keep the panel down at night for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. 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 with reflux or wind.

Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings too which allows you to place them at the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult to get in and out of the bed.

The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are worried about sharing a space with their infant. But, it's important to note that if you opt to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.

You'll also need to ensure that the bedside cot crib crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to get an appropriate mattress for your new crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't want to purchase an additional crib. The SnuzPod4 is an model, featuring a sleek, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of room for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a handy travel bag.

Convenience

One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their child close.

Some cribs have tilt options, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and their history.

Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.

Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room room. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move throughout your home." It also can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."

If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the best model for your child and your lifestyle. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby's going to outgrow its small bedside cot size. Therefore, you'll have to transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.