Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. But, it's crucial 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms want the closeness of their child while 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 suggests parents use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is important to ensure that when you select the crib you will use for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps where babies might be trapped. cotsfortots come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be lowered so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This allows you to easily soothe, feed, and supervise your child without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from csection births or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your baby rolling off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away as they can be risky for suffocation. To ensure that your baby is safe it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, typically around 6 months old they will have to move to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to sit next to your bed so that you can look after your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of six months old or are able to climb up and at that point, you should switch to an older cot. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until the age of 6 months, but it's essential to read the guidelines for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your current bed (most clip onto standard bed frames, but you must double-check the exact dimensions). Also, ensure that your chosen 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 mom testers. It has a height-adjustable base and can either be used as a standalone crib or attached to a bed. It is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides excellent value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, air-tight mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that clips onto the side of the bed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with moms seeking ways to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
They usually have the lowering panel, which allows you to feel and see your baby, as well as some that let you keep the panel down at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Certain models also have a reflux incline feature, which was appreciated by many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow your baby to slip or climb out. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections as it can be difficult to get in and out of the bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their infant. It's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your own bed.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame before buying some that clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't want to purchase a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and comfort them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can touch and talk to your baby without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel in place throughout the day This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can help with colic and reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a parent who knows the medical history of their child and their needs.
Another thing to think about is how easy it is to clean, and whether 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. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby with you.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're considering buying a crib that is bedside, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your child and your life style. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish, but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.