Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is important 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should have a separate bed for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
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 for secure sleep to ensure your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps that infants may be trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and supervise your child without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib, as these can also be suffocation hazards. To ensure that your baby is safe, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, typically at around 6 months, they will need to move into an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an ensconced and safe space for your baby to rest. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can care for your baby without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. bedside cots for newborns of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach six months old or are able to push themselves up, at which point you should switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child to this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your existing bed (most are attached to traditional bed frames, however you should always double check the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the crib has a sturdy, flat mattress which is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides great value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for 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 allows you to keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their baby while being secure.
They typically feature an incline panel that allows you to feel and see your baby, as well as some that let you put the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some have an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test mums loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow your baby to slip or climb out. bedside crib and cot is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are perfect for parents who are concerned about sharing their space with a baby. It is important to keep in mind that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it's still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not require an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, featuring a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and soothe them to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be lowered so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can help with colic and reflux. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and the history.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or if you will need to wash it by hand. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room to room. Jasmine the 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 can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."
If you're considering buying a bedside crib we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to ensure you purchase the ideal crib for your baby and your life style. Remember that while the crib may look beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly outgrow its tiny size. Therefore, you'll have to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.