Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby sleep close to you at night. It is 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. It's also easy to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents have a separate bed for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is important that when selecting a crib for your baby, you check to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps in which babies could become trapped. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be lowered to let you securely monitor your baby during the night. This means that you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your child falling off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib because they can be suffocation hazards. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure, comfortable place for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can take care of your child without having to leave your bed. This gives you the chance to connect with your baby during those early months. This sense of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
Your baby should be kept in a crib at night until they are six months old or able to climb up and then you should move them to an older cot. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific specifications of the product.
When choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to a standard bed frame but you must always verify the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
Our mom testers 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 affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is secured to the side of your own bed which allows 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 baby while remaining safe.
They usually have a lowering panel, which allows you to see and touch your baby, as well as others that allow you to put the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, which means there's no gap that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. It's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.
Before buying, you'll need to check that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
cot for bedside convert into toddler beds, which can provide to the life of parents who don't want to buy an additional crib for their older child. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and then soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be lowered so that you can communicate with your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the panel down throughout the day - this is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilt options that can help with colic and reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib must be done with care and only by a parent who knows the medical history of their child and requirements.
Another feature to think about is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and if it's easy to move from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around your home. It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for you and your baby. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant but your child will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.