Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep with you at night. It is essential to adhere to the official safe sleep guidelines of 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new mums desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents have a separate bed for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to decrease the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted, so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This lets you easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from csection births or for those with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risk of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Many have mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS because babies who roll off their back are more at risk of suffocation.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at about 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it's important to speak with your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. 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 chance to connect with your baby during the early years. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
small bedside cot should be kept in a bedside crib until they reach 6 months old or can get up and at that point, you should move them to an old-fashioned cot. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your bed (most are attached to traditional bed frames, however you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
Our mom testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers appreciate its flexibility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that clips onto the bed's side. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel down in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children who suffer from wind or reflux.
Many bedside cribs also have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates 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 get in and out of the bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for parents who are worried about sharing their room with a 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 still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
Before you purchase the crib, make sure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate mattress for your new crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide longevity for parents who don't want to invest in a separate cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of the bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be set to a lower level to allow you to communicate with your baby without disturbing them. There are some that keep the panel in place throughout the day - this is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs come with tilt options, which can help with colic and reflux. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and the history.
Another thing to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it's machine washable or will you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal to travel with if you want to bring your baby along with you.
It's also important to consider how heavy the crib will be and whether it is easy to move it from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to visit grandparents.
If you're considering buying a bedside crib We suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to make sure you get the best model for your child and your lifestyle. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby's going to outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to get your baby into a cot before they move out of the crib.