bedside crib vs cot (read)

A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep with you during the night. However, it's 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.

Safety

Many new mums desire the intimacy of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should use a separate sleeping surface for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.

It is important that when selecting the crib for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. bedside crib that turns into cot cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.

The majority of cribs with a bedside feature a panel which can be adjusted to let you be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This means that you can provide them with food, comfort 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. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.

A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your child falling off the crib's edge Many come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are more at risk of being suffocated.

It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib as well as they could be a hazard to suffocate. A breathable crib mattress and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is secure. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.

Comfort

The best bedside cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest close to your bed, so you can look after your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.

It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand by themselves. At this point, it is time to change them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age but it is important to check the specific guidelines for the product.

When you are choosing a bedside cot for twins 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, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is crucial for your baby's health.

Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides great value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the sides of your 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 an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their child while being secure.

Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was loved by many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.

Some cribs with adjustable height settings which allows you to place them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections since it can be a challenge to get in and out of bed while your body heals.

The lower sides provide privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a baby. However, it's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.

You'll also have to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame before buying - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your new crib, which is typically sold separately 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 provide longevity for parents who don't want to invest in a separate cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an model, featuring a slim, sleek frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your little one to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.

Convenience

A bedside crib allows you to easily lift your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their child close.

Some cribs are equipped with tilting features that may aid with colic or reflux. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and their history.

Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby with you.

It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.

If you're thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed We suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and life style. Remember that a crib may appear elegant and stylish but your child will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to get out of it.