Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is important to follow 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative 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 reduce the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to decrease the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a panel that can be lowered so that you can safely monitor your baby during the night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and supervise your baby without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from csection births or with mobility issues. bedside crib with wheels , such as the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides to prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS as babies who roll off their back are more at risk of suffocation.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is safe. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a secure and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will let you take care of your baby without needing to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This sense of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At the age of 6 months, you can change to an older cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you must review the guidelines for the crib.
When choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your current bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however you should always double check the exact dimensions). You should also make sure that the crib has a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mom testers. It features a height-adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed. The crib is light and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
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). Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their infant while also being safe.
They usually come with the lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, as well as others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps which could cause the baby to climb out or slip. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a space with their newborn. It is important to keep in mind that even if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot by your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
You'll also need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, featuring a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your child to rest comfortably. what is it worth 's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the panel down constantly which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or if you'll 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 an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be and if it's easy to move from one room to another. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, 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 carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
If you're considering buying a bedside crib, we recommend you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. Remember that a crib may appear elegant and stylish but your child will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.