Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you during the night. It's important that you adhere to the official safe sleeping 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. Plus, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.

bedside crib that turns into cot is essential to ensure that when you select a crib for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps in which babies may be trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. This means you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, come with a reflux incline feature for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS as babies who roll off their back are at greater risk of suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as they could be suffocation hazards. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is safe. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to rest. They are designed to sit close to your bed, so you can look after your baby without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This sense of security will help you establish positive nighttime routines 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 or can stand up by themselves. At this point, it is time to switch to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your current bed (most are attached to standard bed frames but you should always double check the exact dimensions). You should also make sure that the crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It is height-adjustable and can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides 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 an accessory that attaches to the bed's side. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their child while remaining safe.
Some have a lowering panel that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel in place at night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no fuss. 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 eliminates any gaps which could cause the baby to slide out or climb. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to get into and out of bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. But, it's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your own bed.
Before you purchase, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a mattress that is suitable for your crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not need to buy an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. There are some that keep the panel lowered throughout the day - this is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs come with tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It's important to note that tilting the crib must be done with care and only by a parent who is aware of their baby's medical history and their needs.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you can machine wash it or if you'll have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some cribs are equipped with an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration how heavy the crib will be and whether it is easy to move from one room to another. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.
We recommend that you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. And remember that although bedside cot wooden may look beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly grow out of its small size. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.