Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. It is important to follow 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 simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to make sure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to see your baby in the night. This allows you to soothe, feed, and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c section births or those who have mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can lower the chance of your baby rolling off the crib's edge Some come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib as well because they can be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is safe. Once your baby can sit up or stand, typically at the age of 6 months they'll need to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it's important to speak with your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. Built to sit beside your bed, they will let you take care of your little one without getting out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This sense of security will help you establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of six months old or are able to push themselves up and at that point, you should move them to a traditional crib. The bedside crib should be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your existing bed (most clip onto standard bed frames but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a firm and flat mattress that 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 has a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to the bed. The crib is light and simple to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate because of its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that attaches 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. They've grown in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their infant while also being secure.
They typically feature an incline panel that you can use to safely feel and see your baby, as well as others that allow you to keep the panel down at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some have a reflux incline function too which most of our test mothers appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for children who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are perfect for parents who are worried about sharing their bedroom with a baby. But, it's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing 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. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't require an additional cot. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to touch and talk to your child without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel lowered constantly This is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. bedside crib travel cot is important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and requirements.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it by hand. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel 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 it from one room to another. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around the house." It folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.