Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you during the night. It is essential to adhere to the official safe sleep 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 means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps that infants might be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have an adjustable panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and supervise your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially helpful for new mothers recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose suffocation risks. To ensure that your baby is safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
bedside crib and cot offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to sit 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 those early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand by themselves. At this point, it is time to change to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until this age but it is important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, but you should always check the exact dimensions). Also, ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
Our expert mum testers have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also offers excellent value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that attaches to the side of the bed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their child while also being safe.
They usually come with the lowering panel, which allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as others that allow you to keep the panel down at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for those infants suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow your baby to slide out or climb. This is especially useful for those who are recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to climb into 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 space with their newborn. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot by your bed, it is recommended to follow guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
It is also important to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't need to buy an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with an elegant, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to lift your child out of the bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be set to a lower level so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is ideal 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 the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and their history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it by hand. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be and whether it is easy to move it from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around your house. It also folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed We suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. And remember that although a crib might look lovely and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to move your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.