Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby sleep close to you at night. It is essential to 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 makes it 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 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 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, make sure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps that infants may be trapped. The cribs have an even, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be adjusted to let you safely monitor your baby during the night. This allows you to easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c section births or for those with mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, come with the option of inclining reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as well because they can be suffocation hazards. To keep your baby safe and secure, make sure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, usually at around 6 months they'll need to move to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to take care of your little one without getting out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This sense of security can help to establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand independently. At this point, it is time to switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the 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 airy. This is crucial 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. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for price. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, air-tight mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that is attached to the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their baby while also being safe.
They usually have a lowering panel, which you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, and others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some come with a reflux incline function too which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for children who are suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow your baby to slide out or climb. bedside crib with wheels is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides provide privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their space with a baby. But, it's important to note that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or cot, it's still best practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate mattress for your new crib which is usually sold separately to the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can add the longevity of parents who don't want to invest in an additional crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child from bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with a tilt feature that can help with reflux or colic. bedside crib and cot to note that tilting the crib must be done with caution and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and their needs.
Another feature to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your house. It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit grandparents.
If you're considering purchasing a crib for your bed we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to make sure you get the most suitable model for your child and your lifestyle. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. So you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.