Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you at night. However, it's important to follow official safe sleeping guidance 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 easy to move around thanks to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers want the closeness of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When Cots For Tots are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to check that the product meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps that infants may be trapped. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be lowered, so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means that you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for mothers 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 who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered crib can lower the chance of your child slipping off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be dangers of suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you're worried about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime offer a safe, comfortable place to sleep your baby. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to take care of your infant without needing to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during those crucial early months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.
Your baby should be kept in a crib by the bed until they are 6 months old or can climb up and at that point, you should move them to an older crib. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but you should review the guidelines for the crib.
When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your existing bed (most are attached to standard bed frames, but you should always double check 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.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mum testers. It comes with a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to a bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects love it for its flexibility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that attaches to the bed's side. 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. They've been gaining popularity with mums looking for ways to bond with their infant while also being secure.
Some have a lowering panel that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is especially beneficial for those recovering after C-sections since it can be difficult for them to get in and out of bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their infant. It is important to keep in mind that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot beside your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
Before purchasing it, you'll need to ensure that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas 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 itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep 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 come with a tilt option, which can help with reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and history.
Another thing to think about is how easy it is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to take your baby with you.
It's also 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 has described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around your house. It can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to make sure you get the ideal crib for your child and your lifestyle. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll have to transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.