Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. But, it's crucial to adhere to the official safe sleep 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. Its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib it is crucial to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps in which babies may be trapped. twin bedside cot 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 moved, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from csection births or for those with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your child falling off the edge of the crib, and many have mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to drown.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib as well, as these can also be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A mattress that is breathable for the crib 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 up or stand, generally around 6 months old they'll need to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an ensconced and safe space for your baby to rest. They are designed to sit next to your bed so that you can take care of your baby without having to leave your bed. This will give you the chance to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This sense of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand by themselves. At this point, it is time to switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to review the guidelines for the crib.
When choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). Also, ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. bedside travel cot is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers great value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate because of its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the sides of your bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their child while remaining safe.
They usually come with a lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, and others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those infants suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is especially beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to get into and out of bed.
bedside travel cot lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
It is also important to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing some that clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of room for your child to rest comfortably. It is also easy to put together and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can touch and talk to your baby without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel lowered constantly which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know the medical needs of their child and their history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib, and whether you can machine wash it or if you'll have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
It's also important to take into consideration how heavy the crib will be, and if it's easy to move it from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around the house. It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to the grandparents.
If you're considering buying a bedside crib we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to ensure that you buy the best model for your child and your life style. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will quickly outgrow it. So you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.