Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is important to adhere to 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is crucial to ensure that when you select a crib for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in an environment that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps in which babies may be trapped. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs feature the option of a panel that can be lowered to allow you to securely monitor your baby during the night. This means that you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. To ensure that your baby is safe and secure, make sure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any concerns about this transition, speak to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can look after your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in the early years. This feeling of security will help establish a positive bedtime routine and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should change them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your existing bed (most are attached to traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). bedside cot mattress is important that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and airy. This is essential for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mom testers. It comes with an adjustable height base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to the bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that clips onto the side of the bed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their infant while also being safe.
They usually have the lowering panel, which you can use to safely see and touch your baby, and others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the ease of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some come with an incline function for reflux too that most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow your baby to slip or climb out. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult for them to get into and out of bed.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their room with a newborn. But, it's important to note that if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to buying it - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable 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.
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. The SnuzPod4 is a prime example, with a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your baby to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be set to a lower level so that you can communicate with your baby without waking them up. There are some that keep the panel lowered constantly which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs come with a tilt feature that can help with reflux or colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with caution and only by a parent who knows the medical history of their child and their needs.
Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them ideal for travel in case you need to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around the house. It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to grandparents.
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your child will soon outgrow it. So you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.