Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the 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. Its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their child, and avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is essential to ensure that when you select a crib for your infant, you verify to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in an environment that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent to decrease the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be raised to allow you to securely monitor your baby during the night. travel cot bedside crib lets you easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c section births or for those with mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will lower the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS because babies who have their backs rolled off are at greater risk of dying from suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib as they could be a hazard to suffocate. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby safe. When your baby is able to sit or stand, typically at the age of 6 months, they will need to move to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable space for your baby's sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to tend to your baby without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those precious early months. This feeling of safety can help to establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At the age of 6 months, you can switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however you should always check the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable - this is vital to the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mum testers. It has an adjustable height base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to a bed. It is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that attaches 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. Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those infants suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those who are recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult for them to get in and out of the bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their newborn. It is important to keep in mind that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot by your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
It is also important to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame before buying some that clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to buy a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who don't want to invest in a separate crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your baby to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed for feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, so you can contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with caution and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and needs.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some cribs have bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around your home." It also can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We suggest that you read 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 sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your baby will soon outgrow its small size. You'll need to get your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.