Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. But, it's crucial 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to make sure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside 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 might be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be lowered to allow you to safely monitor your baby at night. This means that you can easily provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which can be especially helpful for mothers recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance 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 in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. To ensure that your baby is safe it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will allow you to tend to your baby without needing to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those precious early months. This feeling of security can help to establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up independently. At this point, it is time to change to an older cot. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your bed (most attach 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 flat, firm and ventilated. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mom testers. It comes with a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to the bed. It is light and easy to put together. It also offers great value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to the side of the bed. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their infant while also being safe.
They usually have an incline panel that allows you to see and touch your baby, as well as others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some have a reflux incline function too that most of our test mothers appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for those children suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides offer privacy and are great for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a baby. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
Before buying, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress 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.
Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't require an additional cot. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel lowered all the time which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs come with tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with caution and only by a parent who knows the medical history of their child and requirements.
large bedside crib to consider is how easy it is to clean, and if it's machine washable or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around the house. It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to the grandparents.
We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for your baby. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby will soon grow out of its small size. You'll need to get your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.