Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby sleep close to you during the night. However, it's 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. It's also easy to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is crucial to ensure that when you select the crib for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps in which babies may be trapped. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature a panel which can be adjusted to let you be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This means you can easily comfort them, feed and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce 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 essential for reducing the chance of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as well because they can be suffocation hazards. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If bedside baby bed are worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed next to your bed so that you can take care of your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the chance to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and improve 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 climb up and at that point, you should switch to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be able to accommodate your child until this age but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for your baby's health.
Our mum testers who are experts have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also offers great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers appreciate its versatility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to the side of the bed. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their child while being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel in place during the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings permitting you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow your baby to slip or climb out. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult to get into and out of the bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. It's important to note that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
Before purchasing the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to contact and talk to your little one without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options, which can help with colic and reflux. 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 aspect 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. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around your home. It also can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."
We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its tiny size. You'll have to get your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.