Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. But, it's crucial to adhere to the official safe sleep guidance 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 to 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 who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is important that when selecting the crib for your baby, you check to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space where he 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 in which babies may be trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be adjusted so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This allows you to easily soothe, feed, and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, come with a reflux incline feature for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your child slipping off the crib's edge Some come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as well, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. A breathable crib mattress and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is secure. When your baby can sit up or stand, usually at around 6 months they will have to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed 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 quality of sleep for your baby.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up on their own. At the age of 6 months, you can change to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is essential to read the guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your existing bed (most attach to standard bed frames but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.
cotsfortots who are experts have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It is height-adjustable and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also provides great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is secured to the sides of your bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mothers looking for ways to bond with their newborn while remaining safe.
Some have a lowering panel that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel in place at night so that you can feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for those infants who suffer from wind or reflux.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is especially useful for those recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to climb into and out of the bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. But, it's important to keep in mind that if you decide to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or crib, it is still a good practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
It is also important to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Make sure you purchase the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can provide longevity for parents who don't want to invest in a separate cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child from bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of their baby's medical history and needs.
Another thing to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
Finally, it's 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 tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved throughout your home." It also folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're considering buying a crib that is bedside, we recommend you read our complete reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to ensure you purchase the best model for your baby and life style. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly grow out of its small size. You'll have to get your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.