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, bedside baby sleeper 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. It's also simple to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is essential to ensure that when you select a 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 for safe sleep to ensure 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 minimize the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs come with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature a panel which can be raised so that you can safely monitor your baby at night. This means that you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can lower the chance of your child slipping off the crib's edge Many come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from the area as they could pose suffocation risks. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use offer a safe, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will allow you to tend to your infant without needing to get out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This sense of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should switch them to an older cot. The bedside crib should be capable of accommodating your child until this age but it is important to check the specific specifications of the product.
When choosing a crib for your bed, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto a standard bed frame but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and airy. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mum testers. It has a height adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to a bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to set up. It provides excellent value for price. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the sides of your bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for a way to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
They usually come with the lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, as well as some 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 models have an incline function for reflux too, which most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. It's important to keep in mind that if you opt to sleep with your baby in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.
Before you purchase, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited for divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a mattress that is suitable for your crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide longevity for parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be lowered so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs have tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with care and only by a person who knows the medical history of their child and their needs.
Another aspect to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling if you have to take your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be and whether it is easy to move it from one room to the next. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around the house." It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to visit grandparents.
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. You'll need to get your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.