Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next 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 thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
It is essential that when choosing the crib for your infant, you verify to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps in which babies could become trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a panel that can be adjusted so that you can safely monitor your baby at night. This means you can soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, come with an incline feature for reflux babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risks of your child slipping off the crib's edge, and many have mesh sides to prevent stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS because babies who roll off their back are more susceptible to being suffocated.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose dangers of suffocation. To keep your baby safe and secure, make sure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, typically around 6 months old they'll need to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you're worried about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a secure, comfortable place for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest next to your bed so that you can care for your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This feeling of security can help to establish positive nighttime routines and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib beside the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up independently. At that point, you should switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that is height-adjustable and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects love it for its flexibility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the sides of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen a rise in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their infant while being secure.
Some have a lowering panel that you can use for secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down at night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow your baby to climb out or slip. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides provide privacy and are perfect for parents who are concerned about sharing their room with a baby. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it's recommended to follow guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
It is also important to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to buying it some that clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate mattress for your new crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. Cots 4 Tots is also easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. A majority of cribs have an attached side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and their history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it by hand. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be, and if it's easy to move it from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around your home." It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents."
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib we suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to make sure you get the ideal crib for your child and your lifestyle. Keep in mind that a crib can appear beautiful and elegant but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.
