Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleeping 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 to room.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is important that when choosing the crib for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in an environment that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be adjusted so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and monitor your child without having to leave bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from c-section births or those who have mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can reduce the risks of your child slipping off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is essential in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib because they can be suffocation hazards. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any concerns about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your little one without getting out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This sense of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and increase the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach six months old or are able to get up and then you should move them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your current bed (most attach to traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). You should 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 sleeping crib is a favorite among our mom testers. It features a height adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to a bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the sides of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout 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 baby while also being safe.
They typically feature a lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, as well as some that let you keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was a favorite among many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
bedside cots have adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is especially useful for those who are recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult to get into and out of bed.
The lower sides provide privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. However, it's important to note that if you opt to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
It is also important to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to purchasing some that clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate mattress for your new crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide to the life of parents who don't want to invest in 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 simple to put together and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to lift your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and then soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with a tilt feature that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and the history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib and whether you can machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs have bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration how heavy the crib will be and if it's simple to move it from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." bedside cots folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
We recommend you read our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for you and your baby. And remember that although a crib might look lovely and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. You'll need to move your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.