Wisdom On Bedside Crib Vs Cot From An Older Five-Year-Old
Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep with you at night. It is essential to 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 mothers are looking for the comfort of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is important that when selecting the crib you will use for your baby, you check to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This lets you easily comfort, feed, and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from c section births or with mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.

It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as they could be a hazard to suffocate. To ensure that your baby is safe it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old they will have to move to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. bedside cot reviews are designed to sit beside your bed so you can look after your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in those early months. This feeling of security will help 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 reach the age of 6 months old or can push themselves up and at that point, you should move them to an old-fashioned cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your existing bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mum testers. It comes with an adjustable height base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its flexibility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that attaches to the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their infant while staying safe.
They usually come with a lowering panel, which allows you to feel and see your baby, as well as others that allow you to put the panel down at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some have an incline function for reflux too which many of our test moms loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings which allows you to place them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides offer privacy and are great for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a baby. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
It is also important to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to buying it some that clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy an additional crib. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your baby to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. Many cribs come with an attached side panel that can be lowered so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. There are cribs that keep the panel down throughout the day This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs offer tilt options that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and history.
Another feature to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them ideal for travel when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around your home. It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit grandparents.
We recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby into an cot before they grow out of the crib.