Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the 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 due to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their child and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to ensure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
over here feature a panel which can be lowered so that you can securely monitor your baby during the night. This means you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the option of inclining reflux for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your child slipping off the crib's edge Many come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling into. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. over here who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as well because they can be suffocation hazards. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, typically at around 6 months, they will need to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby to sleep. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can care for your baby without having to leave your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up on their own. At the age of 6 months, you can change to an older cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to review the guidelines for the crib.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your bed (most clip onto 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 vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mum testers. It has a height adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to a bed. This crib is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without any 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 infant while also being safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, and some that let you put the panel down at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some come with an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test moms loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from 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 worried about sharing their bedroom with a baby. It is important to keep in mind that even if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it is still best to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
It is also important to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to buying it - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs also convert 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. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can be tucked away in 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 best things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing back to sleep. Many cribs come with an attached side panel that can be set to a lower level 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 who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It is important to note 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 the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling if you have to take your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around the house." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend that you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly grow out of its small size. You'll need to get your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.