large bedside cot , also referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you at night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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 due to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib, it is important to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs have an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be lowered to let you be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without having to get up. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from c section births or with mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risks of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Some have mesh sides to prevent stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be dangers of suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are vital to keep your baby secure. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest close to your bed, so you can look after your baby without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they are six months old or are able to get up and at that point, you should move them to an older crib. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until this age, but it is important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your current bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mom testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the sides 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). They've grown in popularity recently with mums looking for a way to bond with their baby while also being secure.
They typically feature a lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, as well as others that allow you to put the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap which could cause the baby to slip or climb out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their infant. It is important to keep in mind that if you do decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
Before purchasing the crib, make sure whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not require an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with an elegant, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your child without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs offer tilt options that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib must be done with caution and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and needs.
Another aspect to think about is how easy it is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to bring your baby along with you.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around the house." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to visit grandparents.
We suggest that you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for your baby and you. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.