Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep with you at night. It's important that you 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. It's also easy to move around thanks to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant, and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps that infants could become trapped. The cribs have an even, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, come with a reflux incline feature for babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A panel that is lower will lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS as babies who have their backs rolled off are more at risk of suffocation.
Keep dummies and soft toys away as they can be dangers of suffocation. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is safe. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, usually around 6 months old they'll need to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a safe, comfortable place for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they let you take care of your little one without having to get out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This sense of security 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 next to the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand independently. At that point, you should switch them to an older cot. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until this age but it is important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is crucial for your baby's health.
Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. best bedside cot uk is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers appreciate its flexibility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is 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 their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, and some that let you keep the panel closed at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models have an incline function for reflux too that many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for those infants who suffer from wind or reflux.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings as well which allows you to place them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections as it can be difficult to climb into and out of bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. However, it's important to note that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or crib, it is still a good practice to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own 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. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't want to purchase an additional cot. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt features that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and their history.
Another feature to think about is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine, 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 throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to visit grandparents.
We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for you and your baby. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly grow out of its small size. Therefore, you'll have to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.