Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during 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. It's also easy to move around thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs are a good alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to check that the product meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be lowered so that you can safely monitor your baby during the night. large bedside cot means that you can easily soothe them, feed them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your child falling off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are at greater risk of suffocation.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose risky for suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety and secure, make sure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby can sit up or stand, generally at around 6 months they will have to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can look after your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in those early months. This feeling of security can help establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your baby should be kept in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of six months old or are able to push themselves up and then you should move them to an older crib. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child until this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your existing bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mum testers. It features a height adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to the bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also provides excellent value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is secured to the side of your own bed which allows 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). Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their baby while being secure.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel down in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those children who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to climb out or slip. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It is important to keep in mind that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot beside your bed, it's still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before you purchase it, you'll need to ensure whether your crib for bedside will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. Recommended Reading are typically sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who don't want to buy an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of room for your little one to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can communicate with your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their child close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know the medical needs of their child and the history.
Another aspect to think about 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 come with waterproof covers to guard 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 worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around your home." It also folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib We suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and life style. And remember that although a crib might look lovely and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly outgrow its tiny size. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.