Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby sleep close to you at night. It is essential to follow 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 means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms are looking for the comfort of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their baby and to avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to check that the product is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps where babies could become trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be lowered to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. This means you can easily provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS because babies who have their backs rolled off are more susceptible to being suffocated.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest next to your bed so that you can look after your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the chance to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of security can help to establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up on their own. At this point, it is time to switch them to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is essential to read the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your current bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the bedside crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mum testers. It features an adjustable height base and can be used as a standalone crib or connected to a bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the sides of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've been gaining popularity with mothers looking for a way to bond with their newborn while also being secure.
They usually have an incline panel that allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, and some that allow you to put the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings as well, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult for them to get in and out of bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. But, it's important to note that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.
Before buying bedside crib and cot , make sure whether the crib you want to buy will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't need to buy a separate crib. SnuzPod4 is 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
A bedside crib allows you to easily lift your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and comfort them back to sleep. Many cribs come with an attached side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the panel in place all the time - this is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and needs.
Another feature to consider is how easy it is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be, and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around the house." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for you and your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.