Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep with you during the night. It is important to adhere to the 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should use a separate sleeping surface for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to check that the product 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 with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps that infants might be trapped. The cribs have a firm, flat mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted, so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means that you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Many have mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. To ensure that your baby is safe and secure, make sure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to take care of your baby without needing to get out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This sense of security will help establish a positive routine for your night and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach the age of six months old or able to get up, at which point you should switch to an old-fashioned crib. The bedside crib is likely to be able to accommodate your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's essential to read the guidelines for the product.
When choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your current bed (most are attached to traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). Also, make Cots 4 Tots that the crib has a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It is height-adjustable and can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects love it for its versatility, comfortable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your own bed which allows you to keep your baby close during the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
They typically feature the lowering panel, which allows you to feel and see your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel down at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for children suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is especially beneficial for those recovering after C-sections as it can be difficult to get 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. It's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or cot, it's still best practice to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.
It is also important to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to buying it some that clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your new crib which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who don't want to invest in an additional crib for their older child. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and then soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel in place all the time - this is great for parents who might be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can help with reflux and colic. It's important to note that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and their needs.
Another feature to consider is how easy it is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them ideal to travel with if you want to take your baby away with you.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your home. It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents."
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for your baby. Remember that while the crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your baby's going to outgrow its tiny size. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.