Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. However, it's important to follow 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. It's also simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mums are looking for the comfort of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is essential to ensure that when you select a crib for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in an environment that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps where babies may be trapped. The cribs come with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a panel that can be raised to let you safely monitor your baby during the night. This means you can comfortably comfort them, feed and monitor them without getting out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can lower the chance of your child falling off the edge of the crib, and many come with mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS as babies who roll off their back are at greater risk of being suffocated.
Keep dummies and soft toys away as they can be dangers of suffocation. To ensure that your baby is safe, you should also ensure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will allow you to take care of your little one without needing to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn in those precious early months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive routine for your night and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside crib ensure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). large bedside cot is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is crucial for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mom testers. It features a height-adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to a bed. The crib is light and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects are awestruck by its flexibility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that clips onto the bed's side. This allows you to 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 years have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their infant 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 down at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was loved by many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps which could cause the baby to slide out or climb. This is a huge 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 also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. It is crucial to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it's important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
You'll also need to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying - some clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Make sure you purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is an model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of the bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered so that you can talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and their history.
Another feature to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to take your baby with you.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around the house. It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to the grandparents.
If you're thinking about purchasing a crib for your bed we suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to ensure you purchase the best model for your baby and lifestyle. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your baby will soon outgrow it. So you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to get out of it.