Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you at night. However, it's important to adhere to the official safe sleep guidance 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 makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their baby and avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
It is crucial that when selecting the crib you will use for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps where babies may be trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means that you can easily comfort them, feed 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. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib, as these can also be suffocation hazards. To ensure your baby's safety and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to tend to your infant without needing to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those precious early months. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive routine for your night and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should change them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child up to this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When choosing a crib for your bed, make sure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm 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 that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to set up. It provides excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers love it for its flexibility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that clips onto the side of the bed. 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. They've grown in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their newborn while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel down in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some models have a reflux incline function too that most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow your baby to slip or climb out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult for them to get into and out of bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a space with their newborn. bedside cosleeper is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot by your bed, it is important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before buying the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Make sure you purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy 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 handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the best things about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the panel lowered constantly This is great for parents who might be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have a tilt feature that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and history.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or need to wash it by hand. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some cribs are equipped with a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be, and if it's easy to move from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around your home. It can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to the grandparents."
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for your baby. Remember that while a crib might look lovely and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. You'll have to get your baby into a cot before they move out of the crib.