Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. It is important 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 makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should use a separate sleeping surface for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is essential to ensure that when you select the crib you will use for your infant, you verify to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps where babies may be trapped. The cribs come with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable panel that can be adjusted to allow you to be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This means that you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the chance of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are more at risk of suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib, as these can also be suffocation hazards. To keep your baby safe and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest close to your bed, so you can take care of your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those early months. This sense of security can help establish positive routines at night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
cheap bedside cot should be kept in a bedside crib until they reach six months old or able to get up and at that point, you should switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child up to this age, but you must review the guidelines for the crib.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, but you must always verify the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects appreciate its flexibility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your own bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during 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 moms seeking a way to bond with their infant while staying safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that allows you to feel and see your baby, as well as some that let you keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow your baby to slide out or climb. This is especially beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult to get in and out of the bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their bedroom with a baby. But, it's important to keep in mind that if you opt to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your own bed.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide the longevity of parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing back to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that drops down, allowing you to touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel lowered all the time which is ideal for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and their history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling if you have to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room to room. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep with the 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 visit grandparents.
If you're considering buying a bedside crib We suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your baby and lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.