Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep with you during the night. But, over here to adhere to the official safe sleep 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. Additionally, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib it is essential to check that the product is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps where babies may be trapped. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be moved so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means that you can easily soothe them, feed them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your child falling off the crib's edge, and many have mesh sides to prevent stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS, as babies that have their backs rolled off are more susceptible to suffocation.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose suffocation risks. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby safe. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to rest. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to tend to your baby without having to get out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your newborn during those crucial early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.
resources is recommended to keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up on their own. At the age of 6 months, you can change them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but you must be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When choosing a crib for your bed be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and airy. This is essential for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mom testers. It comes with a height-adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to a bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides great value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that attaches to the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that you can use to safely feel and see your baby, as well as some that let you keep the panel down at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow your baby to climb out or slip. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are great for parents who are concerned about sharing their space with a newborn. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
You'll also have to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame before buying some that clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can provide to the life of parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your child without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can help with colic and reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib must be done with caution and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and needs.
Another feature to think about is how easy it is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around the house." It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents.
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for you and your baby. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated, but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.