Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. However, it's important 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 simple to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is important to ensure that when you select a crib for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps that infants could become trapped. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be moved to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. travel bedside crib allows you to provide comfort, feed and supervise your child without having to get up. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from c section births or with mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature 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 that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from the area as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can look after your child without leaving your bed. This will give you the chance to bond with your baby in those early months. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your baby should be kept in a bedside crib until they reach the age of six months old or are able to get up and then you can move to a traditional 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 attach to a standard bed frame but it is important to 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 top pick among our mum testers. It has an adjustable height base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to a bed. co sleeper bedside cot is lightweight and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, air-tight mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that clips onto the side of the bed. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've been gaining popularity with moms seeking a way to bond with their newborn while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which many of our test moms liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is an important 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 great for parents who are worried about sharing their bedroom with a baby. But, it's important to note that if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame before buying some that clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add the longevity of parents who don't want to invest in an additional cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. Many cribs come with an attached side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to communicate with your baby without waking them up. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilting features that may aid with colic or reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you'll have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to bring your baby along with you.
It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and light enough 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 thinking about buying a bedside crib we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your child and your life style. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.