Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. But, it's crucial to adhere to the official safe sleep 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. It's also easy to move around thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is important that when selecting the crib for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in an environment where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps in which babies may be trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to see your baby in the night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your child without having to leave bed. This is especially helpful for new mothers recovering from c section births or with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can reduce the risks of your child slipping off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are more susceptible to suffocation.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To ensure your baby's safety and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it's important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime offer a safe and comfortable environment for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will let you take care of your baby without having to get out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during those crucial early months. This sense 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 on their own. At this point, it is time to switch them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib should be able to accommodate your child until they reach this age, but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for your baby's health.
Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also provides great value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects love it for its flexibility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your bed, allowing 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 ways to bond with their infant while staying safe.
official source come with the lowering panel, which allows you to feel and see your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Certain models also have an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their space with a baby. It is crucial to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it's recommended to follow guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
You'll also have to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame before buying some that clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can provide to the life of parents who don't want to buy a separate cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your baby to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the best things about a bedside crib is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs come with tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who know the medical needs of their child and the history.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib and if you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it by hand. 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 ideal for travelling if you need to bring your baby along with you.
It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and if it's easy to move it from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around the house. It also folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to grandparents."
If you're thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed we suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to make sure you get the best model for your child and your life style. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.