Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It is essential to adhere to 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib, it is important to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. 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 that can be moved so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This means that you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is essential in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away as they can be risky for suffocation. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, typically at around 6 months, they will need to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you're worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. They are designed to rest next to your bed so that you can care for your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the early years. This sense of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
You should keep your baby in a crib at night until they are 6 months old or can climb up and at that point, you should switch to an older crib. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to review the guidelines for the crib.
When selecting a bedside crib ensure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and airy. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
twin bedside cot have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. bedside co sleeper cot is lightweight, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that clips securely onto the sides of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for a way to bond with their infant while staying safe.
They usually have the lowering panel, which allows you to feel and see your baby, and some that let you keep the panel closed at night for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach, which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those children who suffer from wind or reflux.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, which means there's no gap that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is especially useful for those recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to get in and out of the bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. It is important to keep in mind that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot near your bed, it is important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before buying, you'll need to check that your bedside crib will fit your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who don't want to invest in a separate cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with an elegant, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your baby to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to put together and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel lowered constantly which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib, and whether you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around your home." It folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."
If you're considering buying a bedside crib We suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to make sure you get the best model for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to get your baby into an cot before they grow out of the crib.