Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside cosleeper crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep with you at night. But, it's crucial to follow 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 thanks to its slim frame.

Safety

Many new mums want the closeness of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families who are embracing co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child, and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.

When selecting a large bedside crib crib it is essential to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.

The majority of cribs with a bedside travel cot feature the option of a panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This means you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed, which can be especially helpful for mothers who are 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 who have digestive issues or reflux.

A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is important in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.

Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be suffocation risks. A mattress that is breathable for the crib 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 (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health professional.

Comfort

The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they let you take care of your baby without having to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This feeling of security will help you establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

Your baby should be kept in a crib at night until they reach the age of six months old or are able to get up, at which point you should move them to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be suitable for your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's essential to read the product guidelines.

When choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your current bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for your baby's health.

Our mum testers who are experts have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. It is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress, and reflux incline feature.

Space

A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the sides of your bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for a way to bond with their baby while also being secure.

They usually have an incline panel that you can use to safely see and touch your baby, and some that let you put the panel down at night for the ease of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some have an incline function for reflux too that most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for children who are suffering from reflux or wind.

Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings too which allows you to place them on the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed as your body heals.

The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. But, it's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.

You'll also need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get a mattress that is suitable for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some cheap bedside cot cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide longevity for parents who don't want to invest in a separate crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any 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

A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your child without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.

Some cribs come with tilt options that can help with colic and reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and the history.

Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby with you.

It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Jasmine the 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 your home." It also can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to the grandparents."

We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for you and your baby. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your baby will soon outgrow its small size. You'll need to get your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.