Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is important 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. Additionally, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child and avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is essential that when selecting the crib you will use for your baby, you check to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps where babies may be trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have an adjustable panel that can be raised to allow you to securely monitor your baby during the night. This allows you to easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or for those with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib, and many have mesh sides to prevent stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as well as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To ensure that your baby is safe and secure, make sure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, typically at the age of 6 months they will have to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use offer a safe, comfortable place for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest close to your bed, so you can look after your baby without having to leave your bed. This gives you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those early months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive bedtime routine and increase the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
Your baby should be kept in a crib at night until they reach six months old or able to push themselves up and at that point, you should switch to an old-fashioned crib. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your existing bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that is attached to the side of the bed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've been gaining popularity with mums looking for ways to bond with their infant while staying safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that you can use to safely see and touch your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some models also have a reflux incline feature, which was a favorite among many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have 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 let your baby climb up or slide out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. best bedside cots is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot beside your bed, it is important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
You'll also have to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying - some clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a suitable mattress for your crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not require a separate cot. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that drops down, allowing you to contact and talk to your little one without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt features that can aid in colic or reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib should be done with caution and only by a parent who knows the medical history of their child and their needs.
Another feature to think about is how easy it is to clean, and if it's machine washable or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around your house. It folds flat, and comes with a bag for trips to grandparents.
We recommend that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby. Be aware that even though a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly grow out of its small size. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.