Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. It is essential to adhere to 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, cot for bedside means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families that co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be lowered, so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This allows you to soothe, feed, and supervise your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or for those with mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib Many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib as well as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and you check it regularly 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 worth speaking to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to rest close to your bed, so you can care for your baby without having to leave your bed. This gives you the opportunity to connect with your baby during those early months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and increase your baby's overall sleep quality.
Your baby should be kept in a bedside crib until they reach six months old or are able to get up and then you should switch to a traditional crib. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to review the guidelines for the crib.
When cot bedside are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your current bed (most attach to standard bed frames, but you must double-check the exact dimensions). You should also make sure that the crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mom testers. It comes with a height-adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the side of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close during the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mothers looking for ways to bond with their infant while staying safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, and others that allow you to put the panel down at night for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some have an incline function for reflux too, which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well which allows you to place them on the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to get in and out of the bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their newborn. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot by your bed, it's recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
Before you purchase the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate mattress for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib allows you to easily lift your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to touch and talk to your baby without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel down throughout the day This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Another feature to consider is how easy it is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration how heavy the crib will be and if it's easy to move from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around the house. It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.
We suggest that you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for you and your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your child will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.