bedside crib vs cot (by Larsbo)

A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. However, it's important to adhere to the official safe sleep guidance 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 its slim frame.

Safety

Bedside cribs are a great option for families that co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant and to avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.

When choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.

Most bedside cribs feature the option of a panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to monitor your baby's health at 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 with mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.

A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your child falling off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to prevent stray duvets or pillows from falling into. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.

It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib because they can be suffocation hazards. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby safe. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health professional.

Comfort

The best bedside cribs offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to take care of your baby without having to get out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn in those precious early months. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.

It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach the age of six months old or able to push themselves up and at that point, you should switch to an old-fashioned cot. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific guidelines for the product.

When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your existing bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and airy. This is essential for your baby's health.

The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mom testers. It has a height adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to a bed. This crib is lightweight, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses and reflux incline feature.

Space

A bedside cots 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 any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their baby bedside co sleeper while being secure.

Some have a lowering panel that you can use for secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel down during the night so that you can feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some models have an incline function for reflux too which many of our test mums loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants who suffer from wind or reflux.

Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is especially useful for those recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to climb into and out of the bed.

The lower sides provide privacy and are perfect for parents who are worried about sharing their space with a newborn. It's important to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it's still best to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.

Before buying the crib, make sure whether the crib you want to buy will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while 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 that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can provide longevity for parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to put together and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

Convenience

One of the most appealing aspects 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, feedings and getting to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to communicate with your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the panel down all the time This is great for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.

Some cribs have tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and requirements.

Take note of how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.

It's also important to consider the weight of the crib be, and if it's easy to move from one room to the next. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around the house." It also can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."

We recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Remember that while a crib might look lovely and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your baby will soon grow out of its small bedside cot size. You'll need to move your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.