Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. It is essential to follow the 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 thanks to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is essential that when selecting the crib for your baby, you check to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be raised to let you safely monitor your baby during the night. This allows you to easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially helpful for new mothers recovering from csection births or for those with mobility issues. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, offer the option of inclining reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your child falling off the edge of the crib, and many have mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. click here is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS as babies who roll off their back are more at risk of being suffocated.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as well, as these can also be suffocation hazards. To ensure that your baby is safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a secure, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to rest close to your bed, so you can care for your child without having to leave your bed. This gives you the chance to connect with your baby during the early years. This feeling of security will help you establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand by themselves. At this point, it is time to switch them to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
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 clip onto the standard bed frame, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which is height-adjustable and can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. The crib is light and simple to assemble. It also provides great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its versatility, comfortable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your own bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've been gaining popularity with mums looking for a way to bond with their infant while also being secure.
Some have a lowering panel that allows secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place during the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for infants who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings too which allows you to place them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult to get in and out of bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. It's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your bed.
Before buying, you'll need to check that your bedside crib will fit your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to get an appropriate mattress for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who don't want to invest in a separate cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs come with tilt features that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to note 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 whether it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby with you.
It's also important to consider the weight of the crib be and if it's easy to move it from one room to another. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to grandparents.
We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.