Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you at night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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 due its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib it is crucial to check that the product conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps where babies may be trapped. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be raised to let you securely monitor your baby at night. This means you can soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are at greater risk of being suffocated.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose dangers of suffocation. To keep your baby safe, you should also ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at around 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use offer a safe, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your infant without having to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This sense of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
You should keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand by themselves. At that point, you should switch to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be suitable for your child until this age, but it is crucial to review the specific product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside crib be sure it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also offers excellent value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers love it for its versatility, comfortable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the side of your own bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've grown in popularity recently with mums looking for a way to bond with their infant while staying safe.
They usually come with the lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, as well as some that allow you to put the panel down at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some come with an incline function for reflux too that many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to get in and out of the bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. 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 recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
Before buying the crib, make sure whether the crib you want to buy will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for 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 cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't require an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your baby to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to lift your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can touch and talk to your child without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Another thing to think about is how easy it is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby with you.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room room. best bedside cots & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move throughout your home." It also folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to grandparents."
If you're considering buying a crib that is bedside We suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your child and your lifestyle. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. So you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.