Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you during the night. It's important that you 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 thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy 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. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is important that when selecting a crib for your infant, you verify to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from csection births or with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can also reduce the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys away 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 breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand, usually at the age of 6 months they'll need to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a secure and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they let you take care of your little one without needing to get out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your baby in those precious early months. This feeling of safety can help to establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up independently. At this point, it is time to switch them to an older cot. The bedside crib should be suitable for your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your existing bed (most attach to standard bed frames but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). You should also make sure that the crib has a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for 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 and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to a bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that clips onto the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their child while being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. bedside crib and cot let you keep the panel in place at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models also have a reflux incline feature, which was a favorite among many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of the bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for parents who are worried about sharing their space with a newborn. It's important to note that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or cot, it's still best practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, featuring a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your baby to rest comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. There are some that keep the panel in place throughout the day - this is great for parents who might be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and the history.
Another feature to think about is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It also can be folded 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. And remember that although a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly outgrow its tiny size. So you'll need to transfer your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.