Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby sleep close to you at night. It is important to follow the official safe sleeping 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
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is essential to ensure that when you select the crib you will use 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 he is sleeping in an environment where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps that infants might be trapped. The cribs come with a flat, firm mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be lowered so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This means you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This can be especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risks of your child falling off the crib's edge, and many have mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling into. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are more at risk of suffocation.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at around 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you're worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a secure, comfortable place to sleep your baby. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will allow you to tend to your baby without having to get out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your infant during those crucial early months. This sense of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand independently. At the age of 6 months, you can change to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but you must review the guidelines for the crib.
When selecting a bedside crib ensure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts 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 affixed to your bed. It is lightweight and easy to set up. It provides great value for money. foldable bedside crib of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for a way to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel closed at night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some models have a reflux incline function too, which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those infants who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. foldable bedside crib eliminates any gap that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. 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 lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are worried about sharing a space with their infant. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot beside your bed, it is important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before purchasing it, you'll need to ensure whether your crib for bedside is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right 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 can also be converted into toddler beds. co sleeper bedside cot is a great option for parents who don't need to buy a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can fit into the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to rest 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 out of bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel which can be set to a lower level so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. Some cribs keep the panel lowered all the time - this is great for parents who might be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options that can help with colic and reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and needs.
Take note of 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 by hand. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to bring your baby along with you.
It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around your house. It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to the grandparents.
If you're considering buying a crib that is bedside We suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your child and your life style. Remember that while a crib might look lovely and sophisticated, 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 move out of the crib.