Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby sleep close to you at night. It is important 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib, it is important to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable panel that can be adjusted so that you can safely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to soothe, feed, and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from c section births or with mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer a reflux incline function for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib Many come with mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are at greater risk of suffocation.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby safe. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, generally at the age of 6 months, they will need to move into an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a secure and comfortable space to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will let you take care of your baby without needing to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security will help you establish positive routines at night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand by themselves. At this point, it is time to change to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be suitable for your child until they reach this age, but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and breathable. This is essential for your baby's health.
Our mom testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that is height-adjustable and can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping 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). Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their infant while also being safe.
Some have a lowering panel that you can use for secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, 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 have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps which could cause the baby to slide out or climb. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to get into and out of the bed.
bedside crib that turns into cot lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. It's important to keep in mind that if you opt to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
Before you purchase it, you'll need to ensure that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to lift your child from bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to 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 ideal for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt features that can help with reflux or colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know the medical needs of their child and their history.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or need to wash it by hand. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them perfect for traveling if you have to take your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration how heavy the crib will be and if it's easy to move from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around your home. It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit grandparents.
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib We suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to make sure you get the best model for your baby and your lifestyle. And remember that although the crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. You'll have to get your baby to an cot before they grow out of the crib.