Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. However, it's important 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. It's also easy to move around thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
It is crucial to ensure that when you select the crib for your infant, you verify to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. 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 panel that can be adjusted so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can easily comfort them, feed and monitor them without getting out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
bedside crib that turns into cot can lower the chance of your child falling off the edge of the crib Many have mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is important in reducing 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 out of the crib because they can be a hazard to suffocate. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to sit or stand, generally around 6 months old they will have to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This sense of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.
Your baby should be kept in a crib at night until they reach the age of six months old or able to get up, at which point you should move them to an older crib. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific specifications of the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your current bed (most are attached to standard bed frames, but you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mom testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also provides great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects love it for its versatility, comfortable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that clips onto the bed's side. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their infant while being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen that you can use for secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was appreciated by many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs 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 your baby to slide out or climb. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
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 crucial to remember that if you do decide 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.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to buy 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 also convert into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, featuring a sleek, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your baby to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your child without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their child close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's important to note that tilting the crib must be done with attention and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and their needs.
Another feature to think about is how easy it is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips if you have to take your baby along.
It's also important to consider the weight of the crib be and whether it is easy to move it from one room to the next. 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 the house. It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish, but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.