Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you during the night. It is important 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 mothers want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to check that the product meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. 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 feature the option of a panel that can be raised to allow you to securely monitor your baby during the night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from csection births or for those with mobility issues. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, come with the option of inclining reflux for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risks of your child falling off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on 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 suffocation hazards. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby secure. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will let you take care of your infant without getting out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This sense of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
Your baby should be kept in a bedside crib until they are six months old or are able to push themselves up and then you should move them to a traditional crib. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until the age of 6 months, but it's essential to read the product guidelines.
When choosing bedside cot co sleeper cotsfortots for your bed, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, air-tight mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that attaches to the bed's side. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which isn't 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 staying safe.
They usually come with the lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, as well as some that let you keep the panel down at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was a favorite among many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to slip or climb out. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of the bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their newborn. But, it's important to keep in mind that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
You'll also need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to buying it - some clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to 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.
Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't want to purchase a separate cot. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them back to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be lowered so that you can talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and the history.
Think about 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 have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs have bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be and whether it is easy to move from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around the house. It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might appear elegant and stylish but your child will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.