Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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. Its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is important 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 complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps where babies may be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This allows you to provide comfort, feed and supervise your child without having to leave bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from csection births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, come with the option of inclining reflux for babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your baby rolling off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from the area as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is safe. When your baby is able to sit or stand, generally at the age of 6 months they'll need to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If bedside cot reviews are concerned about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your infant without getting out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those precious early months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive routine for your night and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
Your child should be kept in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should change them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your current bed (most attach to standard bed frames but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to the bed's side. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for a way to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
They usually have a lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, as well as some that let you put the panel down at night for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for those babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with a bedside also have adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to climb out or slip. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. It's important to keep in mind that if you opt to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or crib, it is still a good to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to buy a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy an additional crib. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child from bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their child close.
Some cribs have a tilt option, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a parent who knows the medical history of their child and requirements.
Another thing to think about is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or will you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling if you have to take your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your house. It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model 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.