Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. It is important 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should have a separate bed for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs have a firm, flat mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be adjusted so that you can securely monitor your baby during the night. This means you can easily provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS as babies who roll off their back are at greater risk of being suffocated.
Be wooden bedside cot to keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose risky for suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, generally at the age of 6 months, they will need to move to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime offer a safe and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. Designed to sit next to your bed, they let you take care of your baby without getting out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This feeling of safety can help establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your baby in a crib at night until they are six months old or able to get up, at which point you should move them to an old-fashioned crib. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to review the guidelines for the crib.
When selecting a bedside crib ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however you should always check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and airy. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. bedside cots uk is lightweight and easy to set up. It provides great value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the side of your own 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). Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that allows secure viewing and touch of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel closed in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Certain models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was a favorite among many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them at the same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to get into and out of bed.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. It's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who don't want to invest in an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can fit into the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of the bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can help with colic and reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know the medical needs of their child and the history.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs are equipped with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for taking on trips in case you need to take your baby along.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your home. It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to the grandparents.
If you're considering purchasing a crib for your bed we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your baby and your life style. Be aware that even though a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. You'll have to get your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.