Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. However, it's 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their baby and to avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is essential to ensure that when you select the crib you will use for your baby, you check to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in an environment that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and monitor your baby without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from csection births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, come with an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risks of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib Some come with mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are more at risk of suffocation.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as well because they can be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To keep wooden bedside cot is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand, usually at the age of 6 months 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 visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest beside your bed so you can care for your child without having to leave your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in those early months. This sense of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and increase the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should change them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you should review the guidelines for the crib.
When choosing a crib for your bed be sure it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however you should always check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and breathable. my explanation is essential for your baby's health.
Our mum testers who are experts have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. The crib is light, easy to assemble and provides great value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects are awestruck by its flexibility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the sides of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've been gaining popularity with mothers looking for ways to bond with their baby while staying safe.
Some have a lowering panel that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place at night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was appreciated by many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their room with a newborn. 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 adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
Before you purchase, you'll need to check that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who don't want to buy an additional cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. There are some that keep the panel down all the time which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib must be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of their baby's medical history and requirements.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
It's also important to consider the weight of the crib be and if it's easy to move from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around the house. It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to grandparents.
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to grow out of its small size. You'll need to get your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.