Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. However, bedside baby bed 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. It's also simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should have a separate bed for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps where babies could become trapped. The cribs come with an even, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs feature the option of a panel that can be raised to let you safely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to provide comfort, feed and supervise your baby without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from csection births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib Some have mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS because babies who roll off their back are at greater risk of being suffocated.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib as well, as these can also be suffocation hazards. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest close to your bed, so you can look after your child without having to leave your bed. This gives you the chance to connect with your baby during those early months. This feeling of security can help establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand independently. At that point, you should switch to an older cot. The bedside crib should be capable of accommodating your child until this age but it is essential to read the specifications of the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto the standard bed frame, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy, flat mattress which is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mum testers. It has a height adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for money. 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 sleep space that is secured to the side of your own bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've grown in popularity recently with moms seeking a way to bond with their baby while also being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen that you can use for secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models have an incline function for reflux too which many of our test moms liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well which allows you to place them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections since it can be a challenge 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 room with their newborn. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it is important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can provide to the life of parents who don't want to buy an additional crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib allows you to easily lift your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may aid with colic or reflux. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and if you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs are equipped with an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be, and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around the house." It can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to grandparents."
If you're thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed We suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the best model for your baby and your life style. And remember that although the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby's going to grow out of its small size. Therefore, you'll need to transfer your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.