Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. But, it's crucial to follow official safe sleeping 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. Additionally, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mums desire the intimacy of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their child and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to make sure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable panel that can be adjusted to let you securely monitor your baby at night. This lets you easily comfort, feed, and monitor your child without having to leave bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also lower the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides to prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are at greater risk of suffocation.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be dangers of suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby can sit up or stand, generally at around 6 months, they will need to move to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it's important to speak with your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to rest. They are designed to rest close to your bed, so you can take care of your child without having to leave your bed. This gives you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and improve your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach the age of six months old or able to push themselves up, at which point you should move them to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be suitable for your child until this age, but it is essential to read the product guidelines.
When choosing bedside cot newborn , ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your existing bed (most clip onto standard bed frames but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and airy. This is essential for your baby's health.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. The crib is light and simple to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers appreciate its flexibility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your own bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for ways to bond with their infant while also being secure.
bedside cot sale come with a lowering screen that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel closed at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some models also have a reflux incline feature, which was a favorite among many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings as well which allows you to place them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It's important to keep in mind that if you choose to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others work better with divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate mattress for your new crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not require a separate cot. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It is also easy to put together and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib for bed is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be lowered to allow you to communicate with your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the panel lowered constantly - this is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilt features that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and the history.
Another feature to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal to travel with if you want to take your baby away with you.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and light enough for it to be easy to move around your home. It can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to the grandparents."
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for you and your baby. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant but your child will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.