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 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 easy to move around thanks to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child and to avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is crucial that when selecting a crib for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to securely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from csection births or for those with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are more at risk of dying from suffocation.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be risky for suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby can sit up or stand, typically around 6 months old they will have to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it's important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will allow you to tend to your little one without having to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security will help you establish positive routines at night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At the age of 6 months, you can switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child up to this age, but you should be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your current bed (most are attached to standard bed frames but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is crucial for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mom testers. It comes with a height adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to a bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, air-tight mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with moms seeking a way to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
They usually have an incline panel that you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, and others that allow you to keep the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. bedside cots for newborns have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that most of our test mothers appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for children who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of bed.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it's still best to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before you purchase, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Make sure you purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy an additional crib. 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 handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. There are some that keep the panel lowered throughout the day This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have a tilt option, which can help with reflux and colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of their baby's medical history and their needs.
Another feature to think about is how easy it is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and light enough for it to be easy to move around the house. It also can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for you and your baby. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. You'll need to move your baby to an cot before they grow out of the crib.