Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. However, it's important 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 thanks to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good alternative for families who want to 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.
It is crucial that when selecting the crib you will use for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in an environment where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with an even, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be lowered, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This allows you to easily soothe, feed, and supervise your child without having to get up. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or for those with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risks of your child slipping off the edge of the crib, and many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib, as these can also be suffocation hazards. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your little one without having to get out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those precious early months. This feeling of security can help to establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should switch to an older cot. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until they reach this age but it is crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.
When selecting a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your bed (most clip onto standard bed frames, but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is crucial for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mom testers. It features an adjustable height base and can either be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to set up. It provides great value for money. bedside cot crib of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is secured to the sides of your bed, allowing you to keep your baby close throughout the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their child while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed during the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models also come with a reflux incline feature, which was loved by many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also have adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps which could cause the baby to slip or climb out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections since it can be difficult to get in and out of the bed.
The lower sides provide privacy and are perfect for parents who are concerned about sharing their bedroom with a baby. It is crucial to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot beside your bed, it is important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before purchasing it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to invest in a separate crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek 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 convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections who wish 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 tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and their history.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and if you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around your home. It also can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for your baby. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby into a cot before they move out of the crib.