Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the 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 its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their child and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is crucial that when choosing a crib for your infant, you verify to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space 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 infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with an even, firm mattress designed to promote 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 means you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, come with the option of inclining reflux for babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your child slipping off the crib's edge Many come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are at greater risk of being suffocated.
Keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be suffocation risks. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, usually at the age of 6 months they'll need to move into an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you're worried about this transition, it's important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your infant without having to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those precious early months. This sense of security will help establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
Your child should be kept in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up by themselves. At this point, it is time to switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your existing bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mum testers. It has a height adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or connected to the bed. It is light and easy to assemble. It also offers excellent value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that clips onto the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their infant while being secure.
bedside crib travel feature the lowering panel, which allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as others that allow you to put the panel down at night for the ease of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some models also have a reflux incline feature, which was loved by many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides offer privacy and are great for new parents worried about sharing their space with a baby. It is crucial to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot beside your bed, it's recommended to follow guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
You'll also have to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate mattress for your crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who don't want to buy an additional crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your child without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt features that can aid in colic or reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and requirements.
Another aspect to consider is how easy the crib is to clean and whether it's machine washable or will you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room to 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 lightweight enough to be able to move around the house. It also folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend that you read our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for you and your baby. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. So you'll need to transfer your baby into a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.