Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. But, it's crucial 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 to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be lowered so that you can safely monitor your baby during the night. This allows you to easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without having to leave 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, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away as they can be suffocation risks. 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 stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they allow you to take care of your infant without having to get out of bed. bedside cot 6 months plus give you the opportunity to bond with your infant in those precious early months. bedside cot 6 months plus of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach 6 months old or can push themselves up and then you should switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child until this age, but you must review the guidelines for the crib.
When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers appreciate 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 baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for ways to bond with their baby while also being secure.
They usually have a lowering panel, which you can use to safely see and touch your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some have a reflux incline function too which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult for them to get in and out of the bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are perfect for parents who are worried about sharing their space with a newborn. It's important to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot by your bed, it's recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
Before purchasing it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited for divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate mattress for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't want to purchase a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It is also easy to put together and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. A majority of cribs have an attached side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to communicate with your baby without waking them up. There are some that keep the panel in place all the time - this is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options that can help with colic and reflux. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and their history.
Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or will you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, baby sick 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 important to consider the weight of the crib be, and if it's easy to move it from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around your home. It folds flat, and comes with a bag for trips to visit grandparents.
If you're considering purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your child 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 transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.