Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby sleep close to you at night. But, it's crucial to adhere to the official safe sleep 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. It's also simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is important to ensure that when you select the crib you will use for your baby, you check to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps in which babies may be trapped. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature the option of a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to safely monitor your baby during the night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and supervise your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for new mothers recovering from c-section births or with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is important to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib because they can be suffocation hazards. To keep your baby safe and secure, make sure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned about this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use offer a safe, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. They are designed to rest next to your bed so that you can take care of your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the early years. This sense of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and improve your baby's overall sleep quality.
You should keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach 6 months old or can push themselves up and then you should switch to an old-fashioned crib. The bedside crib is likely to be able to accommodate your child until this age but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your current bed (most clip onto standard bed frames, but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and easy to put together. It also offers excellent 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 an accessory that attaches to the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with moms seeking a way to bond with their baby while staying safe.
Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place during the night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was loved by many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their newborn. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before you purchase, you'll need to check that your bedside crib will fit your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited 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 should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is an model, sporting an elegant, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of room for your little one to rest comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with a tilt feature that can help with reflux or colic. bedside cot for twins is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical needs and the history.
Another feature to think about is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling if you have to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around your home. It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to visit grandparents.
We recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.