Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby sleep close to you at night. It's important that you 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 simple to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families that co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their infant, and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is essential that when choosing a crib for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in an environment where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent to decrease the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be adjusted so that you can safely monitor your baby at night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and supervise your baby without having to get up. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c section births or with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will lower the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are more susceptible to suffocation.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To ensure that your baby is safe, 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 sit up or stand, usually at around 6 months, they will need to transition to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. They are designed to sit next to your bed so that you can care for your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This sense of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach the age of 6 months old or can get up, at which point you can move to an old-fashioned crib. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child to this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When choosing a crib for your bed be sure it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that clips securely onto the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their infant while also being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Certain models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was loved by many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. However, it's important to note that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying - some clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a suitable mattress for your new crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, featuring a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your little one to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child out of 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 contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of their baby's medical history and requirements.
Another aspect to think about is how easy the crib is to clean and whether it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them ideal to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.
try what he says 's also important to consider how heavy the crib will be, and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside 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 carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
We recommend that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll have to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.