Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby sleep close to you during the night. It's important that you follow the official safe sleeping 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 due its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their child and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is important that when selecting a crib for your child, you examine it to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in an environment that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to decrease the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature a panel which can be lowered so that you can safely monitor your baby at night. This means you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This can be especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can reduce the risks of your child slipping off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as they could be suffocation hazards. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit or stand, usually at the age of 6 months they will have to move to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your little one without getting out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your newborn in those precious early months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach the age of six months old or are able to push themselves up and at that point, you should switch to an old-fashioned crib. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child to this age, but you should review the guidelines for the crib.
When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should 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 flat, firm and airy. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
Our mom testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the side of your own bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their baby while remaining safe.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel down during the night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for those children suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow your baby to slide out or climb. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections as it can be difficult for them to get in and out of the bed.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their room with a baby. However, it's important to note that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or cot, it's still best practice to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.
It is also important to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame before buying - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to buy a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't require an additional crib. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to put together and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
bedside cot 6 months plus of the great things about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to contact and talk to your child without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs have a tilt feature that can help with reflux or colic. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be performed 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 whether it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. 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 important to consider the weight of the crib be, and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Jasmine, 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 able to move throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
If you're thinking about buying a crib that is bedside We suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to make sure you get the best model for your child and your lifestyle. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby into a cot before they move out of the crib.