Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It's important that you adhere to the official safe sleep 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 simple to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their infant and to avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
It is crucial that when selecting the crib you will use for your baby, you check to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a place that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have an adjustable panel that can be adjusted to let you securely monitor your baby during the night. This means that you can comfortably comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which can be especially helpful for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your child slipping off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling into. This is important for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby secure. When your baby can sit up or stand, typically at around 6 months they will have to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. Built to sit beside your bed, they let you take care of your infant without getting out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This sense of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up by themselves. At this point, it is time to change them to an older cot. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age, but it is important to check the specific specifications of the product.
When selecting a bedside crib ensure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and airy. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory 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 mums looking for a way to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that allows you to feel and see your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some come with an incline function for reflux too which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow your baby to slide out or climb. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult to climb into and out of bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their room with a baby. It's important to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
It is also important to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame before buying - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your new crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
bedside crib co sleeper can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase to the life of parents who don't want to invest in an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with an elegant, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your little one to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and history.
Another aspect to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room to room. 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 house. It can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend 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 your life style. And remember that although a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly outgrow its tiny size. You'll have to get your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.