Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you during the 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. It's also simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child and to avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
It is important that when choosing a crib for your child, you examine it to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in an environment that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps where babies could become trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be lowered, 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 especially beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from csection births or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the risk of your baby rolling 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 essential for reducing the risk of SIDS as babies who have their backs rolled off are more at risk of being suffocated.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib as they could be suffocation hazards. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby safe. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. Designed to sit next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your baby without getting out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand independently. At that point, you should change them to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child up to this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your current bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable - this is vital to the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers love it for its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that is attached to the bed's side. bedside crib with changing table lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've been gaining popularity with mums looking for ways to bond with their newborn while staying safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel down during the night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Certain models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was loved by many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap which could cause the baby to slip or climb out. This is especially beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to get in and out of bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot by your bed, it is important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before buying, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a mattress that is suitable for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy an additional cot. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib allows you to easily lift your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and then soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be set to a lower level so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the panel in place throughout the day This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with a tilt feature that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know the medical needs of their child and history.
Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.
It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room to room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside 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 bag for travel for trips to grandparents."
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and your life style. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.