Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is important 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. Plus, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their child and to avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to check that the product is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be moved so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This lets you easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from csection births or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the chance of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are more at risk of being suffocated.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib as well because they can be suffocation hazards. A breathable crib mattress and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby safe. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will let you take care of your infant without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security will help establish a positive bedtime routine and improve your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand by themselves. At that point, you should switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When choosing a crib for your bed, make sure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is crucial for your baby's health.
Our mom testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that is height-adjustable and can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that attaches to the bed's side. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
They typically feature an incline panel that you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as others that allow you to keep the panel down at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings permitting you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to slip or climb out. This is especially beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are worried 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 near your bed, it is recommended to follow guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before you purchase, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. bedside cot newborn forget to get a suitable mattress for your new crib which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't require a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and then soothe them back to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to contact and talk to your child without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with a tilt feature that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and history.
Another feature to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.
It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and if it's simple to move it from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to grandparents.
We suggest that you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for you and your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.