Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is important 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 easy to move around thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers are looking for the comfort of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps that infants might be trapped. The cribs have an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature a panel which can be adjusted to allow you to be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This means you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Some have mesh sides to prevent stray duvets or pillows from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS, as babies that have their backs rolled off are more at risk of suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will allow you to take care of your baby without having to get out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your infant during those crucial early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib at night until they are 6 months old or can push themselves up and at that point, you should switch to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.
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 standard bed frames but it is important to 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.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mom testers. It comes with a height adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers love it for its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've been gaining popularity with mums looking for a way to bond with their newborn while also being secure.
They usually 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 keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. bedside travel cot come with a reflux incline function too that many of our test moms liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those children who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow the baby to slip or climb out. This is especially beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult for them to get into and out of the bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a crib, it is still a good to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.
You'll also have to ensure that the 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. Also, don't forget that you'll require a mattress that is suitable for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who don't want to buy a separate crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of room for your little one to rest comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options, which can help with colic and reflux. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know the medical needs of their child and history.
Another feature to think about is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be, and if it's easy to move it from one room to another. twin bedside cot & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your home. It also folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking about purchasing a crib for your bed we suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your baby and lifestyle. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your baby will soon grow out of its small size. So you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.