Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you at night. However, bedside cot 6 months plus to follow 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is important that when choosing the crib you will use for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be lowered so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib Some have mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is essential to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be suffocation risks. To ensure that your baby is safe, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, generally at around 6 months they'll need to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. They are designed to rest beside your bed so you can care for your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in the early years. This feeling of safety can help to establish positive nighttime routines and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your baby should be kept in a bedside crib until they are six months old or able to get up and at that point, you can move to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be able to accommodate your child until they reach this age, but it is essential to read the specifications of the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and airy. This is essential for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mom testers. It comes with a height adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to a bed. It is lightweight and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your own bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've grown in popularity recently with moms seeking a way to bond with their baby while staying safe.
They typically feature the lowering panel, which you can use to safely see and touch your baby, and some that let you keep the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them at the same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slip or climb out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for parents who are worried about sharing their space with a newborn. It is important to keep in mind that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot near your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before you purchase it, you'll need to ensure that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not need to buy a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 is an model, featuring an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your baby to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient 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 into and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. A majority of cribs have an attached side panel that can be lowered to allow you to speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with caution and only by a parent who knows the medical history of their child and their needs.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib, and whether you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel when you need to bring your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and if it's 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 folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside we suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your baby and lifestyle. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant but your child will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.