Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you at night. It's important that you 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 thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is essential that when selecting the crib for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps where babies could become trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature the option of a panel that can be lowered so that you can securely monitor your baby during the night. This means that you can easily soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are more at risk of suffocation.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. To keep your baby safe, you should also ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, usually at the age of 6 months they will have to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If Going Listed here have any concerns about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed close to your bed, so you can look after your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those early months. This feeling of safety can help establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand by themselves. At that point, you should switch to an older cot. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age but it is crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.
When selecting a bedside crib ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.

Our expert mum testers 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. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also offers great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers love it for its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the sides of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their infant while also being safe.
Some have a lowering panel that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some come with a reflux incline function too that most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their room with a baby. It is crucial to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before buying, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your crib, which is usually 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. This is a great option for parents who don't need to buy an additional crib. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. Going Listed here 's also easy to put together, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to communicate with your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the panel lowered throughout the day which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs come with tilt options, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib and if you are able to machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also important to consider how heavy the crib will be, and if it's simple to move it from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around your house. It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to grandparents.
If you're thinking about purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that even though a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. You'll have to get your baby into a cot before they move out of the crib.