Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you at night. However, it's important to follow official safe sleeping 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new mothers are looking for the comfort of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is essential that when selecting the crib for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place where he is safe and secure.
bedside crib or cot cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps where babies could become trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved to allow you to be able to see your baby in the night. This means you can soothe them, feed them and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also lower the chance of your child falling off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are more susceptible to being suffocated.
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 vital to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to sit or stand, usually at the age of 6 months they'll need to move to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best
bedside co sleeper cot cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to sit close to your bed, so you can take care of your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the chance to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive routine for your night and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
You should keep your baby in a
bedside cots for newborns crib until they reach 6 months old or can get up and at that point, you can move to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until this age but it is important to check the specific product guidelines.
When choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your existing bed (most are attached to standard bed frames but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mum testers. It comes with a height-adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects appreciate its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that attaches to the bed's side. This allows you to keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their child while being secure.
Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some models also come with a reflux incline feature, which was a favorite among many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings as well, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections since it can be difficult to get into and out of bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a space with their newborn. However, it's important to note 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 guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also need to ensure that the bedside crib with changing table (
visit this backlink) crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others work better with divan beds. Make sure you purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to buy a separate cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It is also easy to put together and comes with a handy bag for
travel bedside crib.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and comfort them to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that drops down, allowing you to contact and talk to your child without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know the medical needs of their child and their history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib and if you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
Finally, it's 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 with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to make sure you get the best model for your baby and life style. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to get your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.