Bedside Crib Vs Cot (Lovewiki.Faith)

A bedside baby bed crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you at night. However, it's important to adhere to the official safe sleep guidance 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.

Safety

Many new moms desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their baby and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.

When selecting a bedside crib it is crucial to check that the product meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps that infants might be trapped. The cribs come with a firm, flat mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.

Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be lowered so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.

A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your child 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 important for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.

Keep dummies and soft toys away as they can be risky for suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby secure. Once your baby 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 have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.

Comfort

The best bedside cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to rest. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to tend to your baby without getting out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.

It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach six months old or able to get up and at that point, you can move to a traditional crib. The bedside crib will usually be suitable for your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's essential to read the specifications of the product.

When selecting a bedside sleeper cot crib, make sure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.

Our expert mum testers have been glowing 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. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside crib and travel cot crib is an accessory that clips onto the side of the bed. This allows you to 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 been gaining popularity with mums looking for a way to bond with their newborn while also being secure.

Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place at night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for children who suffer from wind or reflux.

Some cribs with adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.

The lower sides offer privacy and are perfect for parents who are worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. It's important to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib or cot beside your bed, it's recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed with anyone else.

Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.

Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't require a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.

Convenience

One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their baby close.

Some cribs have a tilt feature that can aid in 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 their baby's medical history and needs.

Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you'll have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and drips. Some cribs have bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.

It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be, and if it's easy to move it from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move throughout your home." It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents.

We recommend that you read our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby and you. Be aware that a crib might appear elegant and stylish but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.