Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep 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. Additionally, 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. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is crucial that when selecting the crib you will use for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets 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 safe and secure. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of infants being trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
large bedside crib of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable panel that can be adjusted to allow you to securely monitor your baby during the night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c section births or for those with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are more at risk of dying from suffocation.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be risky for suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. They are designed to rest close to your bed, so you can take care of your baby without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This sense of security will help establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At the age of 6 months, you can switch them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your existing bed (most are attached to standard bed frames, but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). Also, ensure that your chosen crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mum testers. It comes with a height adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to a bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also provides great value for money. foldable bedside crib of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your bed, allowing 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 baby while also being safe.
Some come with a lowering screen that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel closed during the night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux which was appreciated by many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them on the same level 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 since it can be a challenge to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their infant. It's important to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your little one to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child from bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and dribbles. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal to travel with if you want to bring your baby along with you.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to grandparents.
We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Remember that while the crib may look beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its tiny size. Therefore, you'll have to transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.