Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you at night. However, it's important to 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. Its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mums desire the intimacy of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents have a separate bed for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is crucial that when choosing the crib for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in an environment that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps that infants could become trapped. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have an adjustable panel that can be adjusted to allow you to securely monitor your baby during the night. This means that you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can also reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS as babies who have their backs rolled off are at greater risk of dying from suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib as well because they can be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby can sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old they'll need to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. Designed to sit next to your bed, they let you take care of your little one without getting out of bed. cots4tots allow you to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This feeling of security can help establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of six months old or are able to push themselves up and at that point, you should switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child to this age, but you must be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and airy. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mom testers. It features a height adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to a bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their child while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen that allows secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some let you keep the panel closed in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was appreciated by many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies 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, so there's no gap that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you choose to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping 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 attach to 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 typically sold separately to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who don't want to buy a separate crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's 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 lift your baby into and out of bed for nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A majority of cribs have an attached side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with a tilt feature that can help with reflux or colic. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Another feature to consider is how easy it is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling when you need to bring 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 said that the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around the house. It also can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking of purchasing a crib for your bed We suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. So you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to get out of it.