Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. But, it's crucial to follow 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child, and avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to check that the product conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps that infants might be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature the option of a panel that can be lowered to let you be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. bedside crib that turns into cot allows you to easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or for those with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is important to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. To keep your baby safe, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a safe and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can care for your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during those early months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive routine for your night and improve your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand independently. At this point, it is time to change to an older cot. The bedside crib should be able to accommodate your child until the age of 6 months, but it's essential to read the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. bedside crib travel cot must also be compatible with your current bed (most are attached to standard bed frames, but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mom testers. It comes with an adjustable height base and can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to the bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that attaches to the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent times have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their baby while being secure.
They usually have an incline panel that allows you to feel and see your baby, and others that allow you to put the panel down at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which many of our test mums loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children suffering from reflux or wind.
bedside crib that turns into cot have adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow your baby to slip or climb out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good practice to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
You'll also need to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Make sure you purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide to the life of parents who don't want to invest in a separate crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an model, featuring a slim, sleek frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be set to a lower level to allow you to communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with a tilt feature that can help with reflux or colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with care and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and requirements.
Another thing to consider is how easy the crib is to clean and whether it can be washed by machine or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also important to consider how heavy the crib will be and whether it is easy to move from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around the house." It also folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents."
We recommend that you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can appear beautiful and elegant but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to transfer your baby into a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.