Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It is essential to follow the official safe sleeping guidelines of 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
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents have a separate bed for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is essential that when choosing the crib for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps that infants might be trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. This means you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your child falling off the crib's edge, and many have mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS as babies who have their backs rolled off are more at risk of suffocation.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib because they can be a hazard to suffocate. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby secure. When your baby can sit up or stand, typically around 6 months old they'll need to transition to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to tend to your little one without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security will help you establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand by themselves. At the age of 6 months, you can switch them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital to the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers love it for its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that clips securely onto the sides of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent times have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to spend time with their infant while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some have a reflux incline function too, which many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow your baby to slip or climb out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections since it can be difficult to climb into and out of bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are worried about sharing a space with their infant. But, it's important to keep in mind that if you opt to sleep with your baby 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 not share your own bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get an appropriate mattress for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your little one to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. co sleeper bedside cot have a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. co sleeper bedside cot is great for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs have tilt features that can help with reflux or colic. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and history.
Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and if you can machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs have bags for storage, making them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also important to consider the weight of the crib be and whether it is simple to move it from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around the house. It also folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to make sure you get the ideal crib for your baby and your life style. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. You'll need to move your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.