Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. However, it's 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. It's also easy to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is crucial to ensure that when you select the crib for your infant, you verify to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs come with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be lowered to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. This means that you can comfortably comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function 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 have mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is important in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as they could be suffocation hazards. To keep your baby safe, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned about this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime offer a safe, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. They are designed to rest close to your bed, so you can care for your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during those early months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
Your baby should be kept in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of six months old or are able to climb up, at which point you should switch to a traditional crib. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When choosing a crib for your bed, make sure that it complies with 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). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is essential for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mom testers. It has an adjustable height base and can either be used as a standalone crib or connected to a bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the sides of your 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 times have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their baby while remaining safe.
They typically feature a lowering panel, which allows you to feel and see your baby, and others that allow you to put the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some come with an incline function for reflux too that many of our test moms liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also have adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow your baby to slip or climb out. This is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections since 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 worried about sharing their room with a newborn. But, it's important to note that if you opt to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 is an model, sporting an elegant, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your little one to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be lowered so that you can communicate with your baby without waking them up. There are cribs that keep the panel down all the time - this is great for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs come with tilt options that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. baby bedside sleeper is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and their history.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and whether you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it by hand. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to visit grandparents.
We recommend that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for you and your baby. And remember that although the crib may look beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your baby will soon outgrow its small size. You'll need to get your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.