Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the 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. travel bedside crib 's also simple to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
It is essential to ensure that when you select the crib for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. 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 sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be lowered to let you securely monitor your baby at night. This means you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are more at risk of suffocation.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib, as these can also be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To keep your baby safe, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a secure, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed next to your bed so that you can look after your baby without having to leave your bed. This gives you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
large bedside cot should be kept in a crib near the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand by themselves. At this point, it is time to change them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you should review the guidelines for the crib.
When you are choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your existing bed (most attach to standard bed frames but you should always 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 to the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mum testers. It has a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to a bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects love it for its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that attaches to the side of the bed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've been gaining popularity with mothers looking for ways to bond with their newborn while staying safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel in place in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some models also have a reflux incline feature, which was appreciated by many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to climb out or slip. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult to get into and out of the bed.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their room with a baby. It's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to buy an appropriate mattress 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 bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, featuring a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your baby to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to put together and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel lowered constantly - this is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs are equipped with a tilt feature that can help with reflux or colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with care and only by a person who knows the medical history of their child and requirements.
Another aspect to think about is how easy it is to clean, and if it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be, and if it's easy to move from one room to the next. 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 be easily moved throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.
We recommend that you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for your baby. Remember that while a crib might look lovely and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. You'll have to get your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.