bedside cot 6 months plus (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. But, it's crucial 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. It's also easy to move around thanks to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their child, and avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
It is crucial to ensure that when you select the crib you will use for your infant, you verify to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature a panel which can be raised to allow you to securely monitor your baby during the night. This allows you to easily soothe, feed, and supervise your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from c section births or with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the chance of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib as well as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can care for your child without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand by themselves. At that point, you should switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child to this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however you should always check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mum testers. It has a height adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
bedside crib and cot is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger 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 spend time with their baby while also being safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which many of our test moms loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants who suffer from wind or reflux.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult to get into and out of bed.
The lower sides provide privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their room with a baby. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it's recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before purchasing it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not require a separate crib. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to lift your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. There are some that keep the panel in place throughout the day This is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have a tilt feature that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or will you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to take your baby with you.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be, and if it's easy to move it from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and light enough for it to be easy to move around the house. It also folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to ensure that you buy the best model for your baby and your lifestyle. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll have to transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to get out of it.