Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It's important that you adhere to the official safe sleep 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 due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms want the closeness of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be lowered to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can comfortably comfort them, feed and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are vital to keep your baby safe. When your baby is able to sit or stand, usually at the age of 6 months they will have to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will allow you to take care of your infant without getting out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This sense of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
Your baby should be kept in a bedside crib until they are six months old or able to push themselves up and at that point, you should switch to an old-fashioned crib. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child up to this age, but you should review the guidelines for the crib.
When you are choosing a bedside crib ensure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and airy. This is essential for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mum testers. It comes with a height adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to a bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
bedside cot bed is an accessory that is attached to the side of the bed. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
They typically feature 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 to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings which allows you to place them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is especially beneficial for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to get into and out of bed.
The lower sides provide privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their room with a newborn. It's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
Before you purchase the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a mattress that is suitable for your crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who don't want to invest in a separate crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, featuring an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your little one to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with care and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and requirements.
Another feature to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel in case you need to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your home. It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit grandparents.
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib We suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and your life style. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to grow out of its small size. You'll have to get your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.