Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. It is important to follow the official safe sleeping guidance 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is crucial to ensure that when you select a crib for your infant, you verify to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps that infants might be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means you can comfortably comfort them, feed and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is particularly 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 suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can reduce the risks of your child slipping off the crib's edge, and many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
wooden bedside cot is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib, as these can also be suffocation hazards. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are vital to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, typically at the age of 6 months they'll need to move to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. They are designed to rest beside your bed so you can look after your child without having to leave your bed. This gives you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of security can help establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your baby in a crib at night until they are six months old or able to get up and at that point, you should switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to review the guidelines for the crib.
When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your current bed (most clip onto standard bed frames, but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and ventilated. 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 an adjustable height base and can either be used as a standalone crib or attached to a bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides great value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the side of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for a way to bond with their infant while staying safe.
Some come with a lowering screen that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel down at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some models have a reflux incline function too, which most of our test mothers appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants who suffer from wind or reflux.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections since it can be a challenge to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their room with a baby. It's important to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it's important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before you purchase the crib, make sure that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. Make sure you purchase the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not want to purchase a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 is a prime example, with a slim, sleek frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your little one to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. There are cribs that keep the panel in place constantly which is ideal 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, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and history.
Another aspect to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to bring your baby along with you.
It's also important to consider how heavy the crib will be, and if it's easy to move from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside We suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to ensure you purchase the ideal crib for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might appear elegant and stylish but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.