Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is important to follow 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. It's also easy to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy of their baby whilst 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 baby, and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib it is essential to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to decrease the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be adjusted, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can easily comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your child falling 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 important to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be risky for suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby secure. Once your baby can sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old, they will need to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable space to sleep your baby. Built to sit beside your bed, they will let you take care of your baby without needing to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they are six months old or are able to push themselves up, at which point you should move them to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be able to accommodate your child until this age but it is essential to read the guidelines for the product.
When choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your current bed (most attach to standard bed frames but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). Also, ensure that your chosen crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mum testers. It comes with a height adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to a bed. It is light and simple to assemble. bedside crib travel cot provides great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers appreciate its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is 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). Recent times have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to spend time with their infant while remaining safe.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some come with a reflux incline function too which many of our test moms loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings as well, enabling you to position them on the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides offer privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their room with a newborn. It's important to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed with anyone else.
You'll also need to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing some that clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be set to a lower level to allow you to talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilt features that can help with reflux or colic. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical needs and history.
Another thing to think about 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 nappies, baby sick and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to bring your baby along with you.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around the house." It also can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to grandparents."
If you're considering purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly outgrow its tiny size. So you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to get out of it.