Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you during the night. It is 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. It's also easy to move around thanks to its slim frame.
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 infant and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation 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, so that your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched 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 cribs for bed have a panel that can be moved so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This allows you to easily provide comfort, feed and supervise your child without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from csection births or with mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risks of your child falling off the edge of the crib, and many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is important for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib because they can be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby safe. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to rest. Built to sit beside her comment is here , they will allow you to tend to your infant without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn in those precious early months. This feeling of safety can help to establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand independently. At this point, it is time to change to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be suitable for your child until the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your bed (most attach to standard bed frames, but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. 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 either be used as a standalone crib or connected to the bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, comfortable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep 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 popularity among mothers who want to spend time with their baby while also being safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel down at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some have an incline function for reflux too that many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for infants suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also have adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow the baby to slip or climb out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their infant. But, it's important to keep in mind that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or crib, it is still a good practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a mattress that is suitable for your crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not need to buy a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can fit into the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. A majority of cribs have an upper panel that slides down, so you can touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel down all the time This is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with attention and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and their needs.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and if you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be, and if it's easy to move from one room to the next. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around the house." It also folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside we suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your baby and lifestyle. Be aware that even though a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its tiny size. Therefore, you'll have to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.