Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you at night. It's important that you adhere to 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant, and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is crucial that when choosing the crib for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with 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 are equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be adjusted to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This allows you to soothe, feed, and supervise your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for new mothers recovering from c-section births or with limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, come with the option of inclining reflux for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk 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 crucial for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that have their backs rolled off are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from the area as they could pose suffocation risks. To ensure that your baby is safe, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any concerns about this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. Built to sit beside bedside baby bed , they let you take care of your infant without having to get out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your newborn during those crucial early months. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and improve your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or can push themselves up and then you can move to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until this age but it is important to check the specific specifications of the product.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your own bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've grown in popularity recently with moms seeking ways to bond with their newborn while also being secure.
They usually have a lowering panel, which you can use to safely see and touch your baby, and some that let you put the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some models have an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test mums loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides provide privacy and are perfect for parents who are worried about sharing their bedroom with a baby. It is important to keep in mind that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to buying it - some clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't require a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, so you can touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them up completely or disturb 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 have a tilt option, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and history.
Another thing to think about is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, baby sick 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 important to consider how heavy the crib will be and whether it is easy to move from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for you and your baby. Remember that while a crib might look lovely and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your baby will soon grow out of its small size. You'll have to get your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.