Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep with you at night. It's important that you follow 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. Its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib it is crucial to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps where babies could become trapped. The cribs have an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a panel that can be lowered so that you can safely monitor your baby at night. This means you can easily provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also lower the chance of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib, and many have mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS as babies who have their backs rolled off are more at risk of suffocation.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby safe. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to tend to your infant without getting out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive routine for your night and improve your baby's overall sleep quality.
Your baby should be kept in a bedside crib until they are six months old or are able to push themselves up and at that point, you should move them to an old-fashioned crib. The bedside crib will usually be suitable for your child until they reach this age, but it is crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.
When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your existing bed (most clip onto standard bed frames, but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and airy. This is crucial for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mom testers. bedside crib travel cot features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to a bed. It is light and simple 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 reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the sides of your bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their baby while remaining safe.
Some have a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place at night so that you can feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some come with an incline function for reflux too that many of our test moms liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children who suffer from wind or reflux.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slip or climb out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides provide privacy and are great for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying some that clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is an model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can touch and talk to your baby without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. There are some that keep the panel in place constantly which is ideal for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs offer tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It's important to note that tilting the crib should always be done with care and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and needs.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and whether it is easy to move from one room to the next. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around the house." It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Remember that while a crib might look lovely and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its tiny size. So you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.