Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. But, it's crucial 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 simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant and to avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
It is crucial that when selecting the crib you will use for your infant, you verify to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have an adjustable panel that can be raised so that you can safely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to easily comfort, feed, and supervise your child without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c section births or with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, come with an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risks of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib Many have mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that have their backs rolled off are more at risk of dying from suffocation.
Keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be risky for 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 stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use offer a safe and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. bedside travel cot are designed to be placed next to your bed so that you can look after your baby without having to leave your bed. This gives you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This sense of security can help to establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your baby should be kept in a crib at night until they reach the age of six months old or are able to climb up and at that point, you can move to an old-fashioned crib. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child up to this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When choosing a crib for your bed be sure it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and airy. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, air-tight mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory 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. They've been gaining popularity with mums looking for ways to bond with their infant while staying safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was appreciated by many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings as well, enabling you to position them on the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are perfect for new parents worried about sharing their room with a newborn. It is crucial to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it's recommended to follow guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
You'll also need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Make sure you purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to invest in an additional cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, 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 in and out of bed for cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel down constantly - this is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilt features that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know the medical needs of their child and the history.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you'll have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby with you.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around the house." It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib we suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the best model for your baby and your lifestyle. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.