Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is important 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. It's also simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers want the closeness of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child and to 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 conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be adjusted, so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This allows you to easily comfort, feed, and supervise your child without having to leave bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are more susceptible to being suffocated.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. To keep your baby safe, you should also ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at about 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are worried about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest next to your bed so that you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up on their own. At that point, you should switch 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 essential to read the product guidelines.
When choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mom testers have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. The crib is light, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that attaches to the side of the bed. https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/categories/bedside-cot-beds/3 lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their baby while also being safe.
Some have a lowering panel that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down at night so that you can feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some models have an incline function for reflux too that many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for those infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too which allows you to place them at the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is an important 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 provide privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their space with a newborn. 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's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
Before purchasing the crib, make sure whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to get a mattress that is suitable for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can provide to the life of parents who don't want to buy an additional crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is a prime example, with a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your little one to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to lift your child from bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can communicate with your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the panel down constantly This is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilting features that may help with reflux or colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and the history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean your crib and if you can machine wash it or need to wash it by hand. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be and if it's simple to move it from one room to another. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around the house." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Be aware that a crib might appear elegant and stylish but your child will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.