Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is important 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 to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs are a good option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is essential that when selecting the crib you will use for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps in which babies could become trapped. The cribs come with a flat, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted, so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and supervise your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c section births or for those with mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risk of your child falling off the edge of the crib Many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS as babies who have their backs rolled off are more susceptible to being suffocated.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as well because they can be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are worried about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest close to your bed, so you can take care of your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This sense of security can help establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand independently. At the age of 6 months, you can change them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When choosing a crib for your bed 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, but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mum testers. It features a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to a bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their baby while also being secure.
They usually have an incline panel that allows you to see and touch your baby, as well as others that allow you to put the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. bedside cot newborn come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for those infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow the baby to slip or climb out. This is a huge 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 provide privacy and are great for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a baby. It's important to keep in mind that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip 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 cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't need to buy a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, sporting an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your little one to rest comfortably. It's also simple 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 out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and then soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel lowered constantly This is great for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have a tilt option, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Another feature to think about is how easy it is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or will you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some cribs have bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration how heavy the crib will be, and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Jasmine the 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 around the house." It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to the grandparents.
We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for you and your baby. And remember that although a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. You'll need to move your baby to an cot before they grow out of the crib.