Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines of 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. It's also easy to move around thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers want the closeness of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. 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.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs come with an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be moved so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This lets you easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from csection births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, come with an incline feature for reflux babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered crib can lower the chance of your child slipping off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to prevent the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose risky for suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any concerns about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a safe, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. They are designed to rest next to your bed so that you can care for your child without leaving your bed. This will give you the chance to connect with your baby during the early years. This sense of security will help you establish positive nighttime routines and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach 6 months old or can climb up and at that point, you should move them to a traditional crib. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib, make sure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however 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.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mum testers. It features a height adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or connected to a bed. It is lightweight and easy to set up. It provides excellent value for price. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to the bed's side. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to spend time with their child while remaining safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, and others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some 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 with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is especially beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to get into and out of bed.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are perfect for parents who are concerned about sharing their room with a baby. It's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before buying the crib, make sure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Make sure you purchase 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, which can provide longevity for parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. bedside crib travel cot is great for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and history.
Another aspect to consider is how easy it is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some cribs are equipped with an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling if you have to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around the house." It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that even though a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. Therefore, you'll have to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.