Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep with you at night. It is important to follow the official safe sleeping 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms want the closeness of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is crucial to ensure that when you select the crib you will use for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps in which babies could become trapped. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved, so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, come with a reflux incline feature for babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS because babies who roll off their back are more susceptible to suffocation.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as well as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To keep your baby safe, you should also ensure that the mattress of your crib 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 a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they let you take care of your infant without needing to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive routine for your night and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
Your child should be kept in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At this point, it is time to switch them to an older cot. The bedside crib should be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age, but it is essential to read the guidelines for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your bed (most attach to standard bed frames, but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mom testers. It features a height adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to a bed. co sleeper bedside cot is light and easy to set up. co sleeper bedside cot provides excellent value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the sides of your 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). Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their baby while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel down during the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Certain models also have a reflux incline feature, which was appreciated by many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings which allows you to place them at the same height as your mattress, which means there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections as it can be difficult to climb into and out of bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are perfect for parents who are concerned about sharing their bedroom 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 beside your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
You'll also need to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to buying it - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress 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 cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy a separate cot. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
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 a side panel which 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 perfect for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with caution and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and their needs.
Another feature to consider is how easy the crib is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel in case you need to take your baby along.
It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be, and if it's easy to move from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move throughout your home." It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to grandparents.
We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.