Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. It is essential to follow the 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 simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their baby whilst 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 use a separate sleeping surface for their child and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib, it is important to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps that infants might be trapped. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can easily comfort them, feed and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which can be especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are at greater risk of being suffocated.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose risky for suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed close to your bed, so you can care for your child without leaving your bed. This will give you the chance to bond with your baby in those early months. This sense of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and increase the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or can push themselves up and then you can move to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but you must review the guidelines for the crib.
When selecting a bedside crib ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). You should also make sure that the crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mom testers. It has a height adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to the bed. The crib is light, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the sides of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their baby while also being safe.
best bedside cot for newborn have the lowering panel, which you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as some that let you put the panel down at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. bedside crib with changing table have an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot beside your bed, it is still best to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to buying it some that clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't require a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep 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 back to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel lowered throughout the day - this is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
best bedside cot uk offer tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with care and only by a parent who knows the medical history of their child and requirements.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. And some 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 the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around your home. It also can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to ensure that you buy the best model for your baby and your life style. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will soon outgrow it. So you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.