Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. However, it's important 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. Plus, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to ensure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps that infants may be trapped. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be adjusted to allow you to be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This means you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which can be especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.
bedside cots uk is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. wooden bedside cot that is breathable for the crib and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at around 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they let you take care of your baby without getting out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This sense of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and increase the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At this point, it is time to switch to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be suitable for your child until this age but it is essential to read the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your existing bed (most clip onto standard bed frames but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and airy. This is essential for your baby's health.
Our mum testers who are experts have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its flexibility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that clips onto the bed's side. This allows you to keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with moms seeking ways to bond with their newborn while staying safe.
Some have a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place at night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some have an incline function for reflux too which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those children suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to climb out or slip. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides provide privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. It's important to note that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.
You'll also need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not need to buy a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and soothe them to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may help with reflux or colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with caution and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and needs.
Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. Some cribs are equipped with a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel in case you need to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room to room. Jasmine, our 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 your home." It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to ensure you purchase the ideal crib for your baby and life style. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated, but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to get out of it.