10 Quick Tips About Bedside Crib Vs Cot
Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. It is essential to adhere to 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. Plus, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is important to ensure that when you select the crib for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in an environment where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps that infants could become trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a panel that can be adjusted so that you can securely monitor your baby at night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and monitor your baby without having to get up. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your child slipping off the crib's edge Some come with mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS as babies who roll off their back are more at risk of being suffocated.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as well as they could be a hazard to suffocate. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby safe. Once your baby can sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old, they will need to move into an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If cotsfortots have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can care for your child without leaving your bed. This will give you the chance to bond with your baby in those early months. This sense of security can help to establish positive nighttime routines and improve 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 climb up, at which point you should switch to a traditional crib. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until they reach this age, but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto a standard bed frame but you must always verify the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mom testers. It comes with an adjustable height base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to the bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for the money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate because of its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that clips onto the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with moms seeking a way to bond with their newborn while staying safe.
They typically feature an incline panel that allows you to see and touch your baby, as well as others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings as well 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 big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard 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 worried about sharing a space with their infant. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot by your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed with anyone else.
It is also important to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate 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. This is a great solution for parents who do not need to buy an additional crib. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.

Some cribs have a tilt option, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with caution and only by a parent who is aware of their baby's medical history and needs.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around the house. It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents.
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the ideal crib for your child and your lifestyle. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant but your baby will soon outgrow it. So you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.