Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you at night. But, it's crucial 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 simple to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is crucial to ensure that when you select the crib you will use for your baby, you check to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in an environment where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to be able to see your baby in the night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and supervise your child without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c section births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered crib can lower the chance of your child falling off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby safe. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, usually around 6 months old, they will need to move into an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will let you take care of your infant without needing to get out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your newborn in those precious early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At this point, it is time to change to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside crib ensure that 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 must always verify the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mom testers. It has a height-adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to the bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers are awestruck by its flexibility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that is attached to the bed's side. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for ways to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux which was appreciated by many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides provide privacy and are great for parents who are concerned about sharing their space with a newborn. However, 4-in-1 bedside crib to keep in mind that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
It is also important to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting a slim, sleek frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of room for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib for bed is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed for cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have a tilt feature that can aid in colic or reflux. 4-in-1 bedside crib is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical needs and the history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib and if you are able to machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and drips. Some cribs are equipped with a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel when you need to bring your baby along.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around the house. It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to visit grandparents.
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will soon outgrow it. So you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.