Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as 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. It's also simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps that infants may be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be raised to let you safely monitor your baby at night. This means that you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This can be especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risks of your child falling off the crib's edge, and many come with mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to drown.
baby bedside co sleeper is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib, as these can also be suffocation hazards. A breathable crib mattress and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any concerns about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to rest. Built to sit beside 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 during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
You should keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach the age of 6 months old or can get up and then you can move to an old-fashioned cot. The bedside crib should be able to accommodate your child until the age of 6 months, but it's crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.
When choosing a crib for your bed, make sure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however you should always check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is crucial for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mum testers. It features an adjustable height base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also offers excellent value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that attaches to the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with moms seeking a way to bond with their baby while also being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some models have a reflux incline function too, which most of our test mothers appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children 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 which could cause the baby to slip or climb out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are great for parents who are concerned about sharing their bedroom with a baby. However, it's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good practice to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before you purchase it, you'll need to ensure whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a suitable mattress for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to buy a separate crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and history.
Consider how easy best bedside cot for newborn is to clean your crib and if you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be and if it's easy to move it from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough for it to be easy to move around your home. It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to grandparents.
We recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby and you. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.