Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you at night. bedside crib with wheels is essential to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines of 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child, and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is essential that when choosing a crib for your child, you examine it to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in an environment that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps in which babies might be 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 panel that can be lowered to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. This allows you to easily soothe, feed, and monitor your baby without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from c-section births or with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can lower the chance of your baby rolling off the crib's edge Many come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS because babies who have their backs rolled off are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as well because they can be suffocation hazards. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is safe. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at about 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any concerns about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use offer a safe and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. They are designed to rest beside your bed so you can take care of your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand by themselves. At that point, you should switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child up to this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When choosing a crib for your bed be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and airy. This is crucial for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mum testers. It features a height adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to a bed. It is light and easy to put together. It also offers great value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the sides of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close during the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their newborn while also being secure.
They usually come with the lowering panel, which allows you to see and touch your baby, as well as some that allow you to put the panel down at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Certain models also have an incline feature for reflux which was appreciated by many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult to climb into and out of the bed.
The lower sides provide privacy and are great for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or cot, it's still best practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
Before buying the crib, make sure that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while others are better suited for divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a mattress that is suitable for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should meet the latest 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 crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. A majority of cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. bedside cot 6 months plus is ideal for parents who have had C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical needs and their history.
Another aspect to consider is how easy it is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or will you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby with you.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around your house. It also folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."
We recommend you read our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for you and your baby. Remember that a crib may appear elegant and stylish but your child will soon outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby into a cot before they move out of the crib.