best bedside cots , also known as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep right next to you during the night. But, it's crucial to follow 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 means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is crucial that when selecting the crib for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in an environment that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be adjusted to let you safely monitor your baby during the night. This lets you easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c section births or with mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A panel that is lower will reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. best bedside cots of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is important in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, typically at around 6 months they'll need to move into an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions about this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed close to your bed, so you can look after your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the chance to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of security can help establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand independently. At that point, you should change to a traditional cot. The bedside crib should be suitable for your child until this age but it is crucial to review the specific product guidelines.
When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your existing bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is secured to the side of your own 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). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mothers looking for a way to bond with their newborn while staying safe.
newborn bedside cot come with a lowering screen that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel closed in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some have an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for children who suffer from wind or reflux.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult to get into and out of bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a space with their newborn. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it is important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide longevity for 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 room and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It is also easy to put together and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. There are cribs that keep the panel in place constantly This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer tilt options, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and requirements.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib and if you are able to machine wash it or need to wash it by hand. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby away with you.
It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and whether it is simple to move it from one room to the next. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move throughout your home." It also can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to the grandparents."
We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for you and your baby. Remember that while the crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your baby will soon grow out of its small size. You'll have to get your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.