Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you during the night. However, it's important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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 to room.
Safety
Many new mums desire the intimacy of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs are a good option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their baby and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with an even, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs feature a panel which can be lowered to allow you to safely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or for those with mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline feature for babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A panel that is lower will reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. bedside cot reviews is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from the area as they could pose risky for suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is safe. Once your baby can sit up or stand, usually at the age of 6 months they will have to move to a cot or other 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 use provide a secure and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will let you take care of your little one without getting out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This feeling of security can help to establish positive nighttime routines and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand independently. At this point, it is time to switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but you should review the guidelines for the crib.
When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your current bed (most are attached to standard bed frames, but you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and airy. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides great value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that is attached to the bed's side. This allows you to keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with moms seeking a way to bond with their newborn while also being secure.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel down during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings permitting you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to climb out or slip. 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 lower sides offer privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their space with a baby. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot by your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
Before you purchase the crib, make sure that your bedside crib will fit your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not require a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the best things 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, feedings and getting back to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel down throughout the day This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of their baby's medical history and needs.
Another feature to consider is how easy the crib is to clean and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around the house." It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to visit grandparents.
We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for you and your baby. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly grow out of its small size. So you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.