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 is important to follow official safe sleeping 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 simple to move around due its slim frame.
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 child and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to make sure that the crib is compliant with 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 combined with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. 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 the option of a panel that can be adjusted to let you safely monitor your baby at night. This means that you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which can be especially helpful for mothers recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risks of your child falling off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are at greater risk of suffocation.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib, as these can also be suffocation hazards. 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. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned about this transition, it's important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to tend to your infant without having to get out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This sense of security can help to establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your baby should be kept in a crib at night until they are six months old or are able to get up, at which point you should switch to an older crib. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age but it is essential to read the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however you should always check the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy, flat mattress which is breathable. bedside cot mattress is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mom testers. It comes with an adjustable height base and can be used as a standalone crib or connected to a bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the side of your own bed, allowing you to keep your baby close throughout the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've been gaining popularity with mothers looking for a way to bond with their infant while also being secure.
rocking bedside crib have a lowering panel, which allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as some that allow you to keep the panel down at night for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was appreciated by many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is especially useful for those recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult for them to get into and out of bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their newborn. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot near your bed, it is important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
It is also important to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some 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 should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who don't want to buy an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have an attached side panel that can be set to a lower level to allow you to communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have a tilt option, which can help with reflux and colic. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know the medical needs of their child and history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. rocking bedside crib come with a storage bag, making them ideal to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around your house. It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to visit grandparents.
We recommend that you read our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to get out of it.