Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep 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. It's also simple to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant, and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib it is essential to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, to ensure your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to decrease the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs come with a flat, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be adjusted so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your child without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c section births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, come with an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also lower the chance of your baby rolling off the crib's edge, and many have mesh sides to prevent the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib as well as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby safe. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, usually at around 6 months they will have 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 care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will let you take care of your infant without getting out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This sense of security can help to establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand by themselves. At this point, it is time to change them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until this age, but it is important to check the specific specifications of the product.
When choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your bed (most attach to standard bed frames but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mom testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. It is light and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your own bed and allows 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). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their infant while also being secure.
They usually have the lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, and others that allow you to keep the panel down at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was loved by many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. It is important to keep in mind that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before you purchase the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate mattress for your new crib which is usually sold separately to the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide the longevity of parents who don't want to buy an additional crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is a prime example, with a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your baby to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib for bed is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. twin bedside cot of cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel lowered all the time which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and their needs.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib and whether you can machine wash it or have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby away with you.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. 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 your home. It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to grandparents.
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib we suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your baby and life style. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby into an cot before they grow out of the crib.