A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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. It’s also simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is essential that when selecting the 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 of safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be moved to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. This lets you easily comfort, feed, and monitor your child without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from c section births or for those with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, come with a reflux incline feature for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will lower the risk of your child falling 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 to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away as they can be dangers of suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, generally at around 6 months, they will need to move into a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns about this transition, speak to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to tend to your infant without needing to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your baby in those precious early months. This sense of security will help establish a positive routine for your night and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach six months old or are able to push themselves up, at which point you should switch to a traditional crib. The bedside cot reviews crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age but it is important to check the specific specifications of the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and airy. This is essential for your baby’s health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mom testers. It comes with a height adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or connected to a bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects love it for its versatility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that is attached to the side of the bed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They’ve been gaining popularity with moms seeking a way to bond with their newborn while staying safe.
Some come with a lowering screen that you can use for secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby’s stomach which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Many twin bedside cot cribs have adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, which means there’s no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to get in and out of bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. But, it’s important to note that if you choose to sleep with your child in a bedside cot for twins crib or crib, it is still a good to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
Before purchasing it, you’ll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. And don’t forget you’ll need a mattress that is suitable for your new 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 add longevity for parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It’s also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it’s easy to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can contact and talk to your child without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel down constantly This is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilting features that may help with reflux or colic. It’s important to remember 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.
Another thing to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby with you.
It’s also worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it’s easy to move from room room. 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 carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents.”
If you’re thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to ensure you purchase the best bedside cot for newborn model for your child and your lifestyle. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you’ll have to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to get out of it.