Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It is important to follow 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 its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families that 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 selecting a crib for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in an environment that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps that infants might be trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be adjusted, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This allows you to provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to drown.
Keep dummies and soft toys away as they can be risky for suffocation. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, generally at the age of 6 months they will have to transition to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable space for your baby's sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will let you take care of your little one without having to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
Your baby should be kept in a crib at night until they reach the age of six months old or are able to push themselves up and at that point, you should move them to an old-fashioned cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is crucial for your baby's health.
Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides great value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers love it for its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your own bed, allowing 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 times have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their baby while also being safe.
They typically feature a lowering panel, which allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as others that allow you to keep the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also have a reflux incline feature, which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. bedside cot wooden is especially beneficial for those recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult to climb into 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 infant. But, it's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before buying, you'll need to check that your bedside crib will fit your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right 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 add the longevity of parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the great things 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 to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to touch and talk to your child without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their child close.
Some cribs come with a tilt feature that can aid with colic or reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib must be done with care and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and requirements.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib and if you are able to machine wash it or if you will need to wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them ideal for taking on trips if you have to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib 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 on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around the house. It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit grandparents.
If you're considering buying a bedside crib, we recommend you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to make sure you get the ideal crib for your baby and your life style. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant but your child will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to get out of it.