Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents have a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is essential that when selecting a crib for your baby, you check to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be moved, so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means you can soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are at greater risk of suffocation.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are vital to keep your baby secure. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will allow you to tend to your infant without having to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This sense of security will help you establish positive nighttime routines and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach the age of six months old or are able to climb up and at that point, you should move them to a traditional crib. The bedside crib should be able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is essential to read the specifications of the product.
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 the standard bed frame, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). baby bedside crib is also important to make sure that the crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mum testers. It features a height adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to a bed. The crib is light and simple to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that clips securely onto the side of your bed which allows 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). Recent times have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their child while being secure.
Some feature a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that many of our test mums loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for children suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too which allows you to place them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those recovering from 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 new parents worried about sharing their space with a newborn. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it's recommended to follow guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
You'll also need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying - some clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a suitable mattress for your new crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not require a separate cot. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to lift your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel which can be set to a lower level to allow you to communicate with your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.
baby bedside cot come with a tilt feature that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical needs and their history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib and if you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it by hand. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies and 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 take into consideration how heavy the crib will be, and if it's easy to move from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around your house. It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.
We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for your baby. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby to an cot before they grow out of the crib.