Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you during the night. However, it's important to follow official safe sleeping 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs 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 infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature a panel which can be raised to let you safely monitor your baby at night. This means you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your child slipping off the crib's edge, and many come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling into. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from your child as they could pose suffocation risks. A breathable crib mattress and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby safe. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at around 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 most suitable cribs for bedside use offer a safe, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can look after your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the chance to bond with your baby in those early months. This sense of security will help you establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should switch them to an older cot. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until this age but it is crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.
When selecting a bedside crib, make sure that it complies 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). You should also ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mom testers. It features an adjustable height base and can either be used as a standalone crib or connected to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, air-tight mattress and reflux incline function.
cot for bedside is a sleeping space that clips securely onto the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for a way 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 let you keep the panel closed during the night so that you can feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some have an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test moms liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to climb out or slip. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. It's important to note that if you opt to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
Before purchasing the crib, make sure whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to buy an appropriate mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide to the life of parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know the medical needs of their child and their history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib, and whether you can machine wash it or need to wash it by hand. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them ideal for travel in case you need to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around the house." It folds flat, and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.
If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside We suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your baby and your life style. And remember that although a crib might look lovely and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to get out of it.