Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you at 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is important that when choosing the crib for your baby, you check to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps where babies may be trapped. The cribs have an even, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be raised so that you can safely monitor your baby at night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from c section births or for those with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS, as babies that have their backs rolled off are at greater risk of dying from suffocation.
Keep dummies and soft toys away as they can be dangers of suffocation. To keep your baby safe and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, it's important to speak with your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest beside your bed so you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those early months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they are six months old or able to get up and at that point, you can move to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your existing bed (most are attached to standard bed frames but you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is essential for your baby's health.
Our mom testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. It is light and easy to assemble. It also offers excellent value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that clips onto the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with mums looking for a way to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
Some have a lowering panel that allows safe 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 with no anxiety. Some models also have a reflux incline feature, which was appreciated by many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides provide privacy and are perfect for parents who are worried about sharing their room with a newborn. It is important to keep in mind that if you do decide 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 not share your bed.
Before buying, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with a tilt feature that can aid in colic or reflux. funny post to remember that tilting the crib must be done with caution and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and their needs.
Another aspect to think about is how easy it is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around your home." It also can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed we suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to make sure you get the ideal crib for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.