Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby sleep close to you at night. It's important that you 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. Additionally, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new moms want the closeness of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is crucial that when choosing the crib you will use for your baby, you check to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps that infants could become trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be lowered, so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means you can easily comfort them, feed and monitor them without getting out of bed, which is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that have their backs rolled off are more at risk of suffocation.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose risky for suffocation. A breathable crib mattress and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, typically at around 6 months they will have to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed so that you can take care of your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This sense of security can help to establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your baby should be kept in a crib by the bed until they reach six months old or are able to climb up, at which point you should switch to an old-fashioned crib. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but you should review the guidelines for the crib.
When choosing a crib for your bed be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto a standard bed frame but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which is height-adjustable and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. It is light and easy to put together. It also provides great value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your own bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel in place in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which many of our test moms liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those infants who suffer from wind or reflux.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings which allows you to place them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult to get into and out of the bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their space 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 important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
It is also important to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are better suited to divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress 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.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to invest in an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. bedside crib with wheels come with an attached side panel that can be adjusted so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs offer tilt options, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who know the medical needs of their child and their history.
Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or need to wash it by hand. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
It's also important to consider how heavy the crib will be, and if it's simple to move it from one room to another. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around the house." It also folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to the grandparents."
We recommend you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for your baby. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.