Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep with you at 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child, and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps where babies could become trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a panel that can be raised to let you securely monitor your baby during the night. This means that you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without getting out of bed. bedside cot crib is especially beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also lower the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS because babies who roll off their back are at greater risk of dying from suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as they could be a hazard to suffocate. To ensure that your baby is safe and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby can sit up or stand, typically around 6 months old they will have to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions about this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed so that you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the chance to connect with your baby during those early months. This sense of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
Your baby should be kept in a crib by the bed until they reach six months old or are able to push themselves up and at that point, you can move to an old-fashioned crib. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your current bed (most are attached to standard bed frames but you should always double check the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
Our mom testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that attaches to the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their infant while being secure.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed at night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some models have a reflux incline function too, which many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for those babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is especially beneficial for those recovering after C-sections as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. But, it's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't want to purchase an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, featuring a sleek, 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's also simple to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child from bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs come with an attached side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer tilt options, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and the history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or if you will need to wash it by hand. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
If you're thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed We suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby will soon grow out of its small size. You'll need to get your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.