Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby sleep close to you at night. But, it's crucial 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 to room.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their infant, and avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is essential that when selecting the crib for your child, you examine it to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in an environment where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be lowered so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This allows you to provide comfort, feed and supervise your child without having to leave bed. bedside crib to cot is especially helpful for new mothers recovering from c section births or with mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have the ability to tilt your reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your child falling off the crib's edge Some come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is important for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be suffocation risks. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will let you take care of your infant without having to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your infant during those crucial early months. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand independently. At this point, it is time to switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child up to this age, but it is important to be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your existing bed (most clip onto standard bed frames, but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is crucial for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mom testers. It has an adjustable height base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to a bed. It is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers are awestruck by its versatility, comfortable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your own bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with moms seeking ways to bond with their newborn while also being secure.
They usually have the lowering panel, which allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as some that allow you to put the panel down at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Certain models also have a reflux incline feature, which was loved by many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow your baby to climb out or slip. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed as your body heals.

The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their newborn. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it's still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
Before you purchase, you'll need to check that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. bedside cot newborn are typically sold separately from the crib and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib. The SnuzPod4 is an model, sporting an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your little one to rest comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. There are some that keep the panel down throughout the day This is great for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and history.
Another feature to consider is how easy it is to clean, and if it's machine washable or will you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some cribs are equipped with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be and if it's easy to move from one room to another. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to the grandparents.
We suggest that you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for you and your baby. And remember that although the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your baby will soon outgrow its small size. You'll need to get your baby to an cot before they grow out of the crib.