Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep with you during the 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. It's also easy to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to check that the product conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure 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 bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs come with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs feature a panel which can be adjusted to let you safely monitor your baby during the night. This lets you easily comfort, feed, and supervise your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from csection births or for those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have the ability to tilt your reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can reduce the risks of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Some have mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as well because they can be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you're worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use offer a safe and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. They are designed to rest beside your bed so you can care for your child without having to leave your bed. This gives you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach six months old or are able to get up and at that point, you should move them to an older crib. The bedside crib should be capable of accommodating your child until this age but it is essential to read the specifications of the product.
When choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your bed (most clip onto standard bed frames but you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight and easy to set up. It provides great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers love it for its flexibility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
bedside cot for twins is a sleep space that clips securely onto the sides of your bed which allows 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 years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
Some have a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. you could try these out come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them at the same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow your baby to climb out or slip. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult to climb into and out of the bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. However, it's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before you purchase the crib, make sure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a mattress that is suitable for your new crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can provide the longevity of parents who don't want to invest in an additional crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your baby to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. There are some that keep the panel in place constantly This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have a tilt feature that can aid in colic or 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 needs and history.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or need to wash it by hand. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for you and your baby. Remember that while the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. So you'll need to transfer your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.