Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you at night. But, it's crucial to follow 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 mums desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps that infants might be trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable panel that can be lowered to let you safely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to easily soothe, feed, and supervise your baby without having to get up. This is especially helpful for new mothers recovering from c section births or for those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can lower the chance of your child slipping off the edge of the crib, and many come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is important in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib, as these can also be suffocation hazards. To keep your baby safe 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, usually at the age of 6 months they'll need to move to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable environment for your baby to sleep. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can take care of your child without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up on their own. At large bedside cot , you should change them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib should be suitable for your child until this age, but it is essential to read the guidelines for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your existing bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mom testers. It features a height-adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to the bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love 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 and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their baby while also being safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that you can use for secure viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel down in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some models have a reflux incline function too that many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult for them to get in and out of the bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. But, it's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited for divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a mattress that is suitable for your new crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't require a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek 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 handy bag for traveling.
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 to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can contact and talk to your little one without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have a tilt option, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and the history.
Another aspect to think about is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around your home." It also folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib we suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. Keep in mind that a crib can appear beautiful and elegant but your child will soon outgrow it. So you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.