Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you during 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. It's also simple to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their baby and avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs come with an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable panel that can be raised to let you securely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to soothe, feed, and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c section births or for those with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have the ability to tilt your reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risks of your child slipping off the crib's edge, and many come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS, as babies that have their backs rolled off are at greater risk of suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as well, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is safe. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are worried about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can look after your child without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the early years. This sense of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and increase your baby's overall sleep quality.
Your child should be kept in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should switch to an older cot. The bedside crib will usually be suitable for your child until the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific specifications of the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your current bed (most are attached to standard bed frames but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects are awestruck by its flexibility, 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 baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've been gaining popularity with moms seeking ways to bond with their newborn while also being secure.
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 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 suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings too which allows you to place them at the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. best bedside cot for newborn is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot beside your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't want to purchase a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed for feeds, cuddles and soothing back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilt features that can help with reflux or colic. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and history.
Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling if you have to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to visit grandparents.
We suggest that you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.