Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines of 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. Plus, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their baby and to avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is essential that when selecting a crib for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be lowered to allow you to safely monitor your baby at night. This means you can easily soothe them, feed them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like 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 crib's edge, and many come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are at greater risk of dying from suffocation.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby safe. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old, they will need to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use offer a safe, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will allow you to tend to your baby without having to get out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This sense of security will help you establish positive routines at night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand independently. At that point, you should change to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your existing bed (most clip onto standard bed frames but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mom testers. It comes with a height adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or connected to the bed. The crib is light and easy to set up. It provides excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers appreciate its versatility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is secured to the side of your own bed which allows you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to spend time with their child while remaining safe.
bedside crib with changing table come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel down in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was a favorite among many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are worried about sharing a space with their newborn. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib or cot beside your bed, it's recommended to follow guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
It is also important to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to buying it - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to buy 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 cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not need to buy an additional cot. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. baby bedside co sleeper 's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib allows you to easily lift your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that drops down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. There are some that keep the panel lowered all the time - this is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have a tilt option, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to note that tilting 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 if you can machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around the house." It can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib We suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to make sure you get the best model for your baby and your lifestyle. Remember that while the crib may look beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your baby will soon outgrow its small size. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.