Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It's important that you adhere to 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room 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 child and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib it is essential to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe 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 bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have an adjustable panel that can be raised so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This means you can easily comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This can be especially helpful for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. visit the following post of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are more at risk of suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as well as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. visit the following post and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is safe. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, generally around 6 months old they will have to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can look after 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 nighttime routine and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
Your baby should be kept in a bedside crib until they reach the age of 6 months old or can climb up, at which point you can move to an old-fashioned crib. visit the following post should be suitable for your child until they reach this age but it is essential to read the product guidelines.
When choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your current bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mum testers. It comes with a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to the bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also provides great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your own bed, allowing you to keep your baby close throughout 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 spend time with their infant while being secure.
They usually have a lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, and some that allow you to put the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some models have an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test moms loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for children who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow your baby to slide out or climb. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. It is important to keep in mind that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot by your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not require an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child from bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with caution and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and needs.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib, and whether you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it by hand. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them perfect for traveling if you have to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around your house. It can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can appear beautiful and elegant but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.