Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep right next to you during the night. It is essential to adhere to 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families that co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is important to ensure that when you select a crib for your infant, you verify to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs have an even, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be moved so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or for those with mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the option of inclining reflux for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS as babies who have their backs rolled off are more susceptible to being suffocated.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as they could be suffocation hazards. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. Designed to sit next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your infant without needing to get out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This feeling of safety can help to establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of six months old or are able to get up and then you can move to an old-fashioned cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child up to this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it is in line with 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 bedside crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mom testers. It features a height-adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to a bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also offers excellent value for money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was appreciated by many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are perfect for parents who are concerned about sharing their space with a baby. It is crucial to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it's recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a mattress that is suitable for your new crib which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
bedside travel crib can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not require an additional crib. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child out of the bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to communicate with your baby without disturbing them. There are some that keep the panel down constantly This is great for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs are equipped with a tilt feature that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with care and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and needs.
click here to find out more to consider is how easy it is to clean, and if it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration how heavy the crib will be and if it's easy to move from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around your house. It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will quickly outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.