Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It's important that you follow the official safe sleeping guidelines of 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their baby and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib, it is important to check that the product is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps that infants may be trapped. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have an adjustable panel that can be adjusted to allow you to be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This allows you to easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your child without having to get up. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from csection births or for those with mobility issues. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, come with a reflux incline feature for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
bedside cot co sleeper lowered panel will also lower the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose suffocation risks. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, usually at the age of 6 months, they will need to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime offer a safe and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your little one without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security can help to establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand independently. At that point, you should switch them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child up to this age, but it is important to be sure to read the instructions for the product.

When selecting a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your current bed (most are attached to traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and airy. This is crucial for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mom testers. It has a height adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to a bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for price. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that attaches to the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for a way to bond with their newborn while also being secure.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed during the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Certain models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was loved by many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are great for new parents worried about sharing their space with a newborn. It's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or crib, it is still a good to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.
Before purchasing it, you'll need to ensure that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't need to buy a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, featuring a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib for bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be set to a lower level to allow you to talk and touch your baby without waking them up. There are some that keep the panel lowered constantly This is great for parents who might be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may help with reflux or colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and their needs.
Another feature to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling if you have to take your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be and whether it is simple to move it from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your house. It can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."
We recommend that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for you and your baby. And remember that although a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to get your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.