Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep with you at night. It is essential to 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new moms want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant, and avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is crucial that when choosing the crib you will use for your child, you examine it to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps that infants could become trapped. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to be able to see your baby in the night. This allows you to easily soothe, feed, and supervise your child without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib, and many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be risky for suffocation. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby safe. Once bedside crib to cot can stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any concerns about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. Built to sit beside your bed, they let you take care of your little one without getting out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they are six months old or are able to push themselves up, at which point you can move to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be suitable for your child until they reach this age, but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the bedside 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 comes with an adjustable height base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to a bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides great value for money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the side of your own 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). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with moms seeking a way to bond with their baby while also being secure.
They usually come with an incline panel that allows you to feel and see your baby, and others that allow you to keep the panel down at night for the ease of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some models have a reflux incline function too that many of our test moms loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for children who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides offer privacy and are great for parents who are concerned about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. However, bedside cot sale to keep in mind that if you choose to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or cot, it's still best practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.
Before buying the crib, make sure that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not require an additional cot. 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 rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to lift your child from bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can touch and talk to your child without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib and if you can machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them ideal for travel when you need to bring your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around the house. It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit grandparents.
If you're thinking about purchasing a crib for your bed we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant but your child will soon outgrow it. So you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.