Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you during 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib it is essential to check that the product meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your baby is in a safe and secure environment. cot bedside that have adjustable height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be adjusted to allow you to safely monitor your baby at night. This means that you can soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your child falling off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the chance of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are at greater risk of being suffocated.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose risky for suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is safe. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old, they will need to move to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it's important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will allow you to take care of your little one without needing to get out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This sense of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach six months old or able to climb up and at that point, you should move them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be able to accommodate your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however you should always check the exact dimensions). Also, ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mum testers. It has a height adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to a bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that clips securely onto the sides of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their child while also being safe.
Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place during the night so that you can feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some come with a reflux incline function too which most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for children who suffer from wind or reflux.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap which could cause the baby to climb out or slip. 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 lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are worried about sharing a space with their newborn. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot by your bed, it's still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing some that clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to buy a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who don't want to buy a separate cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. cot bedside 's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the best things about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel down throughout the day which is ideal for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilt options that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and the history.
Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you'll have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside 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 read our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for you and your baby. And remember that although the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your baby will soon grow out of its small size. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.