Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby sleep close to you at night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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. It's also simple to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their child and avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps that infants could become trapped. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature a panel which can be adjusted to allow you to safely monitor your baby during the night. This allows you to easily soothe, feed, and supervise your baby without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are 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 who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risks of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib Some have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are at greater risk of being suffocated.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib because they can be a hazard to suffocate. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, generally around 6 months old they'll need to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they let you take care of your little one without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn in those precious early months. This sense of security will help establish a positive routine for your night and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach 6 months old or can push themselves up, at which point you should switch to an older crib. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your bed (most are attached to standard bed frames, but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the bedside crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mum testers. It comes with an adjustable height base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to a bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also provides 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 an attachment that attaches to the bed's side. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with moms seeking a way to bond with their infant while staying safe.
Some come with a lowering screen that allows secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel down in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was loved by many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use have adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps which could cause the baby to climb out or slip. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides offer privacy and are perfect for new parents worried about sharing their room with a baby. However, it's important to note that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or crib, it is still a good to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your own bed.
You'll also have to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are better suited to divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate mattress for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not require an additional cot. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, so you can contact and talk to your child without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and their needs.
Consider 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 manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room room. bedside cot wooden & 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 folds flat, and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your baby and your lifestyle. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to get out of it.