bedside crib travel (also called a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. It is essential to follow 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 means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new mums desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents have a separate bed for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be moved, so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This allows you to provide comfort, feed and supervise your baby without having to get up. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from c section births or those who have mobility issues. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Many have mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are more susceptible to being suffocated.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, typically at around 6 months, they will need to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you're worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to tend to your little one without having to get out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive routine for your night and increase your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand independently. At that point, you should change to a traditional cot. The bedside crib should be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age but it is crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. bedside cot reviews should be able to work with your bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is crucial for your baby's health.
Our mom testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which is height-adjustable and can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers 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 bed's side. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
They typically feature a lowering panel, which you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, and others that allow you to put the panel down at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some come with an incline function for reflux too that most of our test mothers appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings as well, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. It's important to keep in mind that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
Before buying the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a mattress that is suitable for your crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent 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 a separate crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy 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, feeds, and calming back to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options, which can help with colic and reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know the medical needs of their child and their history.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and if you can machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with a storage bag that 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 if it's easy to move it from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around the house. It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to grandparents.
We recommend that you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for you and your baby. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. You'll have to get your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.