Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. It is essential to adhere to the official safe sleep 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 makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mothers are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib it is essential to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps in which babies could become trapped. The cribs have a firm, flat mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be lowered to let you be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and supervise your baby without having to get up. This is especially helpful for new mothers recovering from csection births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have the ability to tilt your reflux for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risks of your baby rolling off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to prevent stray duvets or pillows from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are at greater risk of suffocation.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose risky for suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby safe. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, usually at the age of 6 months, they will need to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you're worried about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a safe and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to take care of your baby without getting out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during those crucial early months. This feeling of security can help to establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At this point, it is time to change to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your current bed (most are attached to traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). You should also make sure that the bedside crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper 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 connected to the bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the side of your own bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout 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 mums looking for a way to bond with their newborn while staying safe.
Some have a lowering panel that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel closed during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some models have an incline function for reflux too that many of our test mums loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well which allows you to place them at the same height as your mattress, which means there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections since it can be difficult to get in and out of bed.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are great for new parents worried about sharing their room with a newborn. It's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to buying it - some clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a mattress that is suitable for your crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Click At this website makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your child without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer tilt options that can help with colic and reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib, and whether you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
It's also important to consider how heavy the crib will be and if it's easy to move from one room to the next. 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 easily moved around the house." It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents.
We suggest that you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for you and your baby. And remember that although a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your newborn will quickly grow out of its small size. You'll need to move your baby into an cot before they grow out of the crib.