Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you at night. It is important to follow the official safe sleeping guidelines of 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 to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to ensure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps where babies may be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be adjusted, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are at greater risk of suffocation.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as they could be a hazard to suffocate. A breathable crib mattress and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is safe. Once your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at around 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed close to your bed, so you can look after your child without having to leave your bed. This gives you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the early years. This feeling of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and increase the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
bedside crib travel is recommended to keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach the age of six months old or able to climb up and then you should move them to an old-fashioned crib. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child to this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your existing bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the bedside crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
Our mom testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also provides excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers love it for its flexibility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close during the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to spend time with their infant while remaining safe.
They usually have a lowering panel, which allows you to see and touch your baby, and some that let you keep the panel down at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some have a reflux incline function too, which many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps which could cause the baby to slide out or climb. bedside crib co sleeper is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult to get in and out of the bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are worried about sharing a space with their infant. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot beside your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
You'll also need to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a mattress that is suitable for your crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't want to purchase a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child from bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to communicate with your baby without waking them up. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their child close.
Some cribs come with tilt features that can help with reflux or colic. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Another feature to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or will you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them ideal for travel when you need to bring your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around your house. It also can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents."
If you're considering buying a bedside crib we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your baby and life style. Be aware that even though a crib may appear beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to move your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.