Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is essential to follow the official safe sleeping guidelines of 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 to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers want the closeness of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their child, and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is important to ensure that when you select the crib for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make bedside cots for newborns that the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a place where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be raised so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This allows you to easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without having to get up. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from csection births or for those with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, come with an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also lower the chance of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib Some have mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be risky for suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, typically at around 6 months, they will need to move to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a secure and comfortable environment for your baby to sleep. They are designed to sit next to your bed so that you can look after your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and increase your baby's overall sleep quality.
You should keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach six months old or are able to climb up and then you can move to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child up to this age, but you must review the guidelines for the crib.
When choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto a standard bed frame but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your 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 that is height-adjustable and can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers love it for its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that attaches to the bed's side. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for a way to bond with their baby while staying safe.
They typically feature an incline panel that you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Certain models also have a reflux incline feature, which was a favorite among many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides provide privacy and are perfect for new parents worried about sharing their room with a newborn. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who don't want to invest in an additional crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of room for your baby to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib allows you to easily lift your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that drops down, so you can touch and talk to your baby without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical needs and the history.
Another feature to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and dribbles. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby with you.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep next to 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 to take on trips to the grandparents.
If bedside crib with wheels about buying a bedside crib, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to ensure that you buy the best model for your child and your life style. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to move your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.