Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is essential to follow 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. It's also easy to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is important that when selecting a crib for your baby, you check to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with an even, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This allows you to provide comfort, feed and monitor your child without having to leave bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from c-section births or with mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline feature for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the risk of your baby 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 important to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as well because they can be a hazard to suffocate. To ensure that your baby is safe, you should also ensure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any concerns about this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to sit 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 those early months. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib next to 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 switch them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until this age but it is essential to read the specifications of the product.
When choosing a crib for your bed be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and airy. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
best bedside cots who are experts have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also offers excellent value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the side 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). Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed at night so that you can feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some models have a reflux incline function too that many of our test mums loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those infants suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps which could cause the baby to climb out or slip. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your own bed.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing some that clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who do not want to purchase a separate cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an model, sporting a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical needs and history.
Another feature to think about is how easy it is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to bring your baby along with you.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around the house. It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
If you're considering buying a bedside crib We suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to make sure you get the most suitable model for your child and your life style. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant but your child will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.