Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. However, it's 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should have a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is important to ensure that when you select the crib for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps where babies might be trapped. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable panel that can be lowered to let you securely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without having to get up. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from csection births or with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your baby rolling off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is essential for reducing the risks 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 inspections for gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at about 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use offer a safe, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed so that you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the chance to connect with your baby during those early months. This sense of security can help establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up by themselves. At the age of 6 months, you can change them to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child until this age, but you should review the guidelines for the crib.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, but you should always check the exact dimensions). You should also make sure that the crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mum testers. It features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to the bed. The crib is light, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects love it for its flexibility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the sides of your bed which 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). They've been gaining popularity with mothers looking for ways to bond with their newborn while staying safe.
They typically feature a lowering panel, which you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as some that allow you to keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which many of our test moms liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for children suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections as it can be difficult to get in and out of the bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. It is important to keep in mind that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot near your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame before buying some that clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
twin bedside cot on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't want to purchase a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, sporting a slim, sleek frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs have a tilt feature that can help with reflux or colic. It's important to note that tilting the crib should always be done with caution and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and needs.
Another aspect to consider is how easy the crib is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. Some cribs are equipped with a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to grandparents.
We recommend that you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will quickly outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.