Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. But, it's crucial to adhere to the official safe sleep guidance 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 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 use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is crucial that when choosing a crib for your infant, you verify to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps that infants could become trapped. The cribs are equipped with an even, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be raised to let you be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This allows you to easily soothe, feed, and supervise your child without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or with mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risk of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Many come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling into. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose suffocation risks. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, usually at the age of 6 months they will have to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to tend to your baby without having to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during those crucial early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they are six months old or able to climb up, at which point you can move to a traditional 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 be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. co sleeper bedside cot must also be compatible with your current bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the bedside crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers appreciate its versatility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for ways to bond with their baby while also being secure.
Some feature a lowering panel that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some models also come with 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.
foldable bedside crib of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, which means there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is especially beneficial for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to get in and out of bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are perfect for parents who are concerned about sharing their space with a baby. But, it's important to keep in mind that if you opt to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.
Before purchasing the crib, make sure that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate mattress for your new crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase to the life of parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to lift your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. There are cribs that keep the panel lowered all the time which is ideal 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 help with reflux or colic. It's important to note that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and their needs.
Another aspect to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it's machine washable or you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby with you.
It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room to room. 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 carry-on bag for trips to visit grandparents.
If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside we suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to make sure you get the best model for your child and your life style. And remember that although the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. You'll have to get your baby into a cot before they move out of the crib.