Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby sleep close to you at night. It's important that you adhere to 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. Additionally, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to check that the product conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps that infants might be trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to securely monitor your baby at night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and supervise your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from csection births or for those with limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, come with the option of inclining reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your child falling off the edge of the crib Some have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is secure. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you're worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to take care of your little one without needing to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This sense of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand independently. At the age of 6 months, you can switch them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until this age, but it is important to check the specific product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your current bed (most are attached to standard bed frames, but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and airy. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mom testers. It has a height adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to a bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also offers excellent value for the money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with mums looking for a way to bond with their infant while also being secure.
They usually come with the lowering panel, which you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, and others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also have a reflux incline feature, which was loved by many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It's important to note that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good practice to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
It is also important to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to buying it - some clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. And baby bedside crib Cots For Tots forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your new crib which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not require an additional crib. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, sporting an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your child to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilting features that may help with reflux or colic. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and their history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move throughout your home." It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to grandparents.
We recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to grow out of its small size. Therefore, you'll need to transfer your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.