Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new mums desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their baby and avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
It is essential to ensure that when you select a crib for your baby, you check to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps where babies might be trapped. The cribs come with a flat, firm mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a panel that can be raised to let you securely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to easily comfort, feed, and supervise your child without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can also lower the risk of your baby falling 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 to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib as well because they can be a hazard to suffocate. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at about 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any concerns about this transition, speak to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby's sleep. 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 and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This feeling of safety can help establish positive nighttime routines and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up by themselves. At this point, it is time to switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When choosing a crib for your bed, make sure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mum testers. It features a height adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to a bed. It is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that is attached to the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their child while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen that you can use for secure viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel in place in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was appreciated by many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to slip or climb out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their room with a newborn. Get More Information to note that if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
Before purchasing it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to get an appropriate mattress for your new crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must 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 a separate crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed for cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. There are some that keep the panel lowered 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 tilt options, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and requirements.
Another feature to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine, 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 also can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."
bedside co sleeper cot recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby. Be aware that even though a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby's going to grow out of its small size. Therefore, you'll need to transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to get out of it.