Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. But, it's crucial 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 its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their baby and to avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is crucial to ensure that when you select a crib for your baby, you check to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps that infants could become trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature a panel which can be lowered to let you securely monitor your baby at night. This means you can soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This can be especially helpful for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are more susceptible to being suffocated.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be risky for suffocation. To ensure that your baby is safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at around 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your baby without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn in those precious early months. This sense of security will help you establish positive nighttime routines and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your baby should be kept in a crib at night until they reach the age of 6 months old or can get up and then you should move them to an old-fashioned cot. The bedside crib should be suitable for your child until this age, but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your existing bed (most attach to standard bed frames, but you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the crib has a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mom testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. It is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that is attached to the bed's side. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their baby while being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen that you can use for 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 with no hassle. Some come with an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test mums loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings 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 an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their newborn. However, it's important to keep in mind 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 guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
Before buying, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to get a mattress that is suitable 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 provide the longevity of parents who don't want to buy an additional crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, featuring a slim, sleek frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your little one to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things 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 cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs come with tilt options, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib and whether you can machine wash it or need to wash it manually. her response are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be and if it's easy to move it from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around your house. It folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.