Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep guidance 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 means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should have a separate bed for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps that infants could become trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a panel that can be lowered to let you safely monitor your baby during the night. This allows you to easily comfort, feed, and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from csection births or for those with limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, come with a reflux incline feature for babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS, as babies that have their backs rolled off are more at risk of suffocation.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be risky for suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, generally at around 6 months they will have to move to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can look after your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the early years. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and improve your baby's overall sleep quality.
Your baby should be kept in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of six months old or able to climb up and then you should switch to an old-fashioned cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and breathable. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. It is light and easy to put together. It also provides great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
bedside crib or cot is a sleep space that clips securely onto the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout 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 a rise in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their baby while remaining safe.
They typically feature the lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, and some that allow you to put the panel down at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well which allows you to place them at the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides provide privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their room with a newborn. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot by your bed, it's recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to buying it some that clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate mattress for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is an model, featuring an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your little one to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options that can help with colic and reflux. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical needs and the history.
Another aspect to think about is how easy it is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips if you have to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around your home. It folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby. And remember that although the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your baby will soon outgrow its small size. You'll have to get your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.