Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is important to adhere to the 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib, it is important to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps where babies might be trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable panel that can be raised so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from csection births or with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby can sit up or stand, usually at around 6 months they'll need to move to a 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 a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed next to 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 in those precious early months. This sense of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.
Your child should be kept in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At this point, it is time to switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child up to this age, but you must be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must 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 crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and breathable. This is essential for your baby's health.
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 stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides great value for price. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, air-tight mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that attaches to the bed's side. 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. Recent years have seen a rise in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their infant while also being safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel down at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some have an incline function for reflux too that many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for children suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
bedside cot 6 months plus offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It is important to keep in mind that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot beside your bed, it is important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
Before purchasing the crib, make sure that your bedside crib will fit your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your new crib which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to lift your child out of the bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to communicate with your baby without disturbing them. There are cribs that keep the panel down throughout the day which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer tilt options, which can help with colic and reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib should always be done with care and only by a person who knows the medical history of their child and needs.
Another feature to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it's machine washable or will you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them ideal for taking on trips if you have to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around your house. It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to visit grandparents.
We recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby and you. Remember that a crib may appear elegant and stylish but your child will soon outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.