Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you at night. It is important to adhere to 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

large bedside cot cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents have a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.

When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm 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 allows you to easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or with mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies with digestive issues or reflux.

A lower panel can reduce the risks of your child falling off the crib's edge Many come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are at greater risk of being suffocated.

It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib because they can be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby safe. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, generally at the age of 6 months they'll need to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you're worried about this transition, it's important to speak with your GP or health visitor.

Comfort

The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable space to sleep your baby. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of security can help establish positive nighttime routines and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up on their own. At that point, you should change to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but you should be sure to read the instructions for the product.

When you are choosing a bedside crib be sure it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, Bedside Crib Vs Cot however you should always check the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.

The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mum testers. It features an adjustable height base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also offers great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its flexibility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.

Space

A 4-in-1 bedside crib crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without any risk of co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with moms seeking ways to bond with their newborn while also being secure.

They typically feature an incline panel that allows you to feel and see your baby, and some that let you put the panel down at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some have a reflux incline function too, which many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for those infants suffering from reflux or wind.

Some cribs with adjustable height settings that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult for them to get into and out of bed.

The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are worried about sharing a room with their newborn. It's important to keep in mind that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or cot, it's still best to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.

You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.

Some bedside cot 6 months plus cribs can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't require an additional crib. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for traveling.

Convenience

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

Some cribs offer tilt options that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know the medical needs of their child and history.

Another thing to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.

Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around the house." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents."

If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib We suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your baby and lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated, but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.