Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep right next to you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines of 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 due to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs are a good option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child, and avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is important that when choosing the crib you will use for your baby, you check to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps that infants might be trapped. The cribs come with a flat, firm mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs feature a panel which can be adjusted so that you can safely monitor your baby at night. This means you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risk of your child slipping off the edge of the crib, and many have mesh sides to prevent the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is important to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to drown.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, typically at the age of 6 months, they will need to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to tend to your infant without having to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security will help you establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up by themselves. At that point, you should change to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib ensure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been talking 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. This crib is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that is attached to the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their infant while also being safe.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place during the night so that you can feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some have an incline function for reflux too that most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them on the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could let your baby climb up or slide 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 as your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. However, it's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to buy an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who do not want to purchase a separate cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to lift your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. inquiry have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the panel lowered constantly which is ideal for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with a tilt option, which can help with colic and reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical needs and history.
Another aspect to consider is how easy it is to clean, and if it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby with you.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to grandparents.
If you're considering buying a bedside crib, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and your life style. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant but your child will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.