Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you at night. But, it's crucial to follow 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should have a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is crucial to ensure that when you select a crib for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted, so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and supervise your child without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from csection births or with mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the option of inclining reflux for babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risk of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib, and many come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is essential in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away as they can be risky for suffocation. To ensure that your baby is safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit or stand, generally around 6 months old they will have to move into an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a secure, comfortable place for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to take care of your infant without having to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This sense of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should change them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until this age but it is crucial to review the specific product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside crib ensure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, but you must always verify the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen 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 It 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 set up. It provides excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to the side of the bed. This allows you to 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 grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for a way to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen 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 hassle. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for those children suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could allow 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 worried about sharing a space with their newborn. It's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame before buying - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are better suited to divan beds. Make sure you purchase the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
bedside rocking crib can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't require an additional crib. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed for nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to communicate with your baby without waking them up. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs come with tilt options that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and needs.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or if you will need to wash it by hand. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move throughout your home." It also folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the ideal crib for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.