Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you during the night. It's important that you adhere to the official safe sleep 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is important that when choosing the crib you will use for your baby, you check to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps that infants may be trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can easily soothe them, feed them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your child falling off the edge of the crib, and many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is essential to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to drown.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib, as these can also be suffocation hazards. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby safe. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any questions about this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. 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 chance to connect with your baby during the early years. This feeling of security will help establish a positive bedtime routine and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
Your child should be kept in a crib beside the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up on their own. At the age of 6 months, you can change to a traditional cot. travel cot bedside will usually be able to accommodate your child until this age but it is important to check the specific guidelines 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, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and airy. 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 features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. bedside cosleeper is light and easy to put together. It also provides great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
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 years have seen a rise in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their infant while also being safe.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed during the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux which was loved by many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings which allows you to place them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. It's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or crib, it is still a good practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
Before you purchase, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a mattress that is suitable 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 bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed for cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. A majority of cribs have an upper panel that slides down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your child without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with caution and only by a person who knows the medical history of their child and requirements.
Take note of how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around your house. It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for your baby. And remember that although a crib may appear beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly grow out of its small size. Therefore, you'll have to transfer your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.