Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to 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 due to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers are looking for the comfort of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their infant and to avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is crucial to ensure that when you select a crib for your child, you examine it to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent to decrease the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable panel that can be raised so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This allows you to easily soothe, feed, and supervise your child without having to get up. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those who have mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is important for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are vital to keep your baby safe. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to sit next to your bed so that you can care for your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the early years. This sense of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach 6 months old or can climb up and then you should move them to an old-fashioned 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 ensure that it adheres to 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 also important to make sure that the bedside 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 popular choice among our mom testers. It comes with an adjustable height base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects love it for its versatility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that is attached to the bed's side. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to spend time with their child while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel down at night so that you can feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some models also come with a reflux incline feature, which was a favorite among many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow your baby to slide out or climb. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their space with a newborn. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
You'll also need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your existing 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 mattress that is suitable for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib and must 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 increase longevity for parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with a sleek, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your baby to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your child without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their child close.
Some cribs come with tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and their history.
Think about how easy large bedside crib is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it by hand. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to bring your baby along with you.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your house. It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to visit grandparents.
If you're thinking about purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to make sure you get the best model for your baby and your life style. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.