Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is important to follow the official safe sleeping 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 to room.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is crucial that when choosing a crib for your infant, you verify to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. rocking bedside crib come with a flat, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be raised so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This means that you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without getting out of bed, which is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer the option of inclining reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the chance of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is essential to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as well, as these can also be suffocation hazards. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use offer a safe and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to take care of your little one without having to get out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up by themselves. At this point, it is time to switch them to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until this age but it is important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib, make sure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto a standard bed frame but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and airy. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mom testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for price. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate because of its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that clips securely onto the sides of your bed, allowing you to keep your baby close throughout the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their child while being secure.
Some have a lowering panel that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel closed at night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some have an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test moms liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those children who suffer from wind or reflux.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them on the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of the bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are perfect for new parents worried about sharing their room with a baby. It's important to note that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your own bed.
Before buying the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your new crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must comply with the latest 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 do not want to purchase an additional crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and then soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. There are cribs that keep the panel in place constantly - this is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may aid with colic or reflux. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical needs and the history.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or if you'll have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to bring your baby along with you.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was 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 your home." It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to visit grandparents.
We recommend that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for your baby. Be aware that a crib might appear elegant and stylish, but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.