Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is essential to follow the official safe sleeping 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 due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms want the closeness of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. 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 reduce the risks of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is important to ensure that when you select the crib you will use for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in an environment that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps in which babies could become trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be moved, so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This means you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS because babies who have their backs rolled off are more susceptible to being suffocated.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib as well, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. To keep your baby safe, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at around 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any concerns about this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to take care of your little one without having to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This sense of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
You should keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach the age of six months old or are able to push themselves up and then you should move them to an old-fashioned crib. The bedside crib should be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age, but it is important to check the specific product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your existing bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and airy. This is crucial for your baby's health.
Our mum testers who are experts have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
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 isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their child while also being safe.
They usually come with the lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, and others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was appreciated by many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a baby. But, 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 to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before buying, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to buy an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not need to buy an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
bedside cot wooden of the great things about a bedside crib is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their child close.
Some cribs come with a tilt option, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with caution and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and their needs.
Another thing to think about is how easy it is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel in case you need to take your baby along.
It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and whether it is simple to move it from one room to the next. 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 the house." It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to visit grandparents.
If you're considering buying a crib that is bedside we suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. And remember that although a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its tiny size. So you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.