Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It's important that you follow 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mothers want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is essential that when selecting the crib for your infant, you verify 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 have adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps where babies might be trapped. co sleeper bedside cot have a flat, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs feature a panel which can be raised to let you securely monitor your baby at night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and supervise your child without having to get up. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from csection births or with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered crib can reduce the risks of your child falling off the crib's edge Many come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS as babies who have their backs rolled off are at greater risk of dying from suffocation.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To ensure that your baby is safe, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. They are designed to rest next to your bed so that you can look after your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during those early months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and improve your baby's overall sleep quality.
Your child should be kept in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand independently. At Recommended Reading of 6 months, you can switch them to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific specifications of the product.
When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your current bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and airy. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers love it for its flexibility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the sides of your bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've grown in popularity recently with moms seeking ways to bond with their newborn while remaining safe.
They usually have the lowering panel, which you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel down at night for the ease of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux which was loved by many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are great for new parents worried about sharing their space with a baby. However, it's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing some that clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to buy a separate crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into 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 bedside crib makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. A majority of cribs have an upper panel that slides down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your child without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have a tilt feature that can aid with colic or reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with care and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and their needs.
Another aspect to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to take your baby with you.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around your home." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit grandparents.
We recommend that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.