Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. But, it's crucial to follow 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 its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is important that when choosing the crib you will use for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs come with an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be lowered to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This allows you to provide comfort, feed and supervise your child without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, come with a reflux incline feature for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your baby rolling off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as well because they can be a hazard to suffocate. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. foldable bedside crib are designed to sit beside your bed so you can look after your baby without leaving your bed. This gives you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the early years. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
Your baby should be kept in a bedside crib until they are 6 months old or can push themselves up, at which point you can move to an old-fashioned cot. The bedside crib should be able to accommodate your child until this age but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When choosing a crib for your bed be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and airy. This is essential for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mom testers. It features a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to the bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. travel bedside crib of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is 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 times have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their child while being secure.
They usually come with the lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux which was loved by many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also have adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
large bedside crib lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. It's important to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot by your bed, it's still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to buying it - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to purchase an appropriate mattress 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 can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not require a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib for bed is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. A majority of cribs have an attached side panel that can be lowered so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a parent who knows the medical history of their child and needs.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it by hand. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
It's also important to consider how heavy the crib will be and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your home. It also can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your child and your lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might appear elegant and stylish but your child will soon outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.