Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you during the night. It's important that you adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the NHS and Lullaby Trust.
bedside cot used 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
Many new mothers are looking for the comfort of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs are a good option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib, it is important to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps in which babies may be trapped. The cribs are equipped with an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be adjusted to allow you to securely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and supervise your baby without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c section births or with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are at greater risk of dying from suffocation.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose suffocation risks. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is secure. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, usually around 6 months old they will have to move to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This gives you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those early months. This feeling of safety can help establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach the age of 6 months old or can climb up and then you should move them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but you should be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your existing bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however you should always double check the exact dimensions). bedside cot used is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is crucial for your baby's health.
Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. It is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides excellent value for price. Another of our favourites 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 is attached to the bed's side. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for ways to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that you can use to safely see and touch your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Certain models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was a favorite among many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings too which allows you to place them at the same height as your mattress, which means there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult to get into and out of the bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. However, it's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add the longevity of parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to touch and talk to your child without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel in place all the time - this is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can help with reflux and colic. It's important to note that tilting the crib must be done with caution and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and requirements.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby with you.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room to room. bedside cot newborn & 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 easy to move around your house. It also can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents."
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby and you. Remember that while the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its tiny size. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.