Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you during the night. It's important that you adhere to 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 to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to check that the product conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs have an even, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be lowered to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and supervise your child without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risks of your child slipping off the crib's edge Some come with mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is important 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 from the crib because they can be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. 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. When your baby can sit up or stand, generally at around 6 months they will have to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will let you take care of your little one without needing to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during those crucial early months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
Your child should be kept in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand independently. At this point, it is time to change to an older cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your existing bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and breathable. This is essential for your baby's health.
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 attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides great value for money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate because of its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that clips onto the side of the bed. 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. Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their baby while being secure.
They usually have an incline panel that you can use to safely feel and see your baby, and some that let you keep the panel down at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was a favorite among many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is especially useful for those who are recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult to get into and out of bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a space with their newborn. It is important to keep in mind that even if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib or cot by your bed, it's still best to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
Before buying the crib, make sure that your bedside crib will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are more suitable for 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 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 option for parents who don't want to purchase an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is a prime example, with a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your little one to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that drops down, allowing you to touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel in place throughout the day which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a person who knows the medical history of their child and their needs.
Another aspect to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
read article is also important to think about the weight of the crib be, and if it's easy to move from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around your house. It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
If you're considering buying a crib that is bedside We suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to ensure you purchase the ideal crib for your baby and life style. Keep in mind that a crib can appear beautiful and elegant but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.