bedside cot used , also known as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep with you during 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. Additionally, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms are looking for the comfort of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is important that when choosing the crib for your baby, you check to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in an environment where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps where babies might be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be lowered so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This means you can soothe them, feed them and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are more at risk of dying from suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib as they could be suffocation hazards. To ensure that your baby is safe, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at around 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions about this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a secure, comfortable place for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will let you take care of your infant without needing to get out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and increase your baby's overall sleep quality.
You should keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they are 6 months old or can push themselves up and at that point, you can move to an old-fashioned cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but you must review the guidelines for the crib.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your current bed (most attach to standard bed frames but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and airy. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for price. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the sides of your bed which 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). Recent years have seen a rise in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel in place at night so that you can feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some come with an incline function for reflux too which many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for those babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, which means there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer 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 cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing some that clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get an appropriate mattress for your crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide the longevity of parents who don't want to invest in an additional crib for their older child. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may aid in colic or 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 their history.
Another thing to think about is how easy the crib 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 bags for storage, making them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.
It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be, and if it's easy to move from one room to the next. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around the house." It can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to the grandparents."
We recommend that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your child will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.