Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It is essential to adhere to the official safe sleep guidelines of 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 easy to move around thanks its slim frame.
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. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is important to ensure that when you select the crib you will use for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs come with an even, firm mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be adjusted so that you can safely monitor your baby at night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your child without having to get up. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c section births or those who have mobility issues. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline feature for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel can also lower the chance of your baby rolling off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to prevent the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is essential in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be dangers of suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand, usually at the age of 6 months they will have to transition to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This feeling of security can help to establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up by themselves. At this point, it is time to change to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to review the guidelines for the crib.
When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your existing 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 bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for your baby's health.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers great value for the money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that clips onto the side of the bed. This allows you to 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 years have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their infant while also being safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel closed during the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps which could cause the baby to slide out or climb. This is especially useful for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult to get in and out of bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. However, it's important to note that if you choose to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.
Before purchasing bedside co sleeper , you'll need to ensure that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Make sure you purchase the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not require an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child from bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can touch and talk to your child without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel in place constantly which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs come with tilting features that may help with reflux or colic. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and the history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room to room. 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 around the house." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents.
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to grow out of its small size. You'll have to get your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.