A bedside crib or cot crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. However, it's important to follow the official safe sleeping 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. Its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mums desire the intimacy of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should have a separate bed for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is crucial that when choosing the crib for your baby, you check to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps in which babies may be trapped. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and supervise your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from csection births or with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is important for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to drown.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose dangers of suffocation. To ensure that your baby is safe and secure, make sure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, usually around 6 months old, they will need to move to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best Rocking Bedside crib cribs offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to tend to your baby without getting out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This sense of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At this point, it is time to change them to a traditional cot. bedside co sleeper cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but you should review the guidelines for the crib.
When choosing a crib for your bed, make sure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to a standard bed frame but you should always check 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.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mum testers. It features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to a bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that is attached to the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their child while being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for children who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to climb out or slip. This is especially useful for those who are recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult for them to get into and out of bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their infant. It's important to note that if you opt to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
It is also important to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to buying it - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to get an appropriate mattress for your new crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't require a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 is an model, featuring an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. A majority of cribs have an upper panel that slides down, so you can contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel down constantly This is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn bedside cot close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can help with colic and reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know the medical needs of their child and history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib and if you are able to machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
It's also important to consider the weight of the crib be and whether it is easy 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 for it to be easy to move around your home. It can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the best bedside cot for newborn ones on the market, to ensure you purchase the best model for your baby and lifestyle. And remember that although a crib might look lovely and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. So you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.
