Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep right next 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should have a separate bed for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to check that the product meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps where babies 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 that can be adjusted so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means that you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risks of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib Many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib, as these can also be suffocation hazards. A breathable crib mattress and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby secure. When your baby can sit up or stand, usually at the age of 6 months they will have to move into a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to sit next to your bed so that you can look after your baby without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This sense of security will help establish a positive bedtime routine and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
You should 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 change them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child until this age, but you must review the guidelines for the crib.
When you are choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your existing bed (most are attached to traditional bed frames, however you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is crucial for your baby's health.
Our mom testers have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. It is light and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that clips securely onto the side of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk 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 spend time with their infant while also being safe.
Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel closed during the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some come with an incline function for reflux too that most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are worried about sharing a space with their infant. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot beside your bed, it is important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also need to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate mattress for your new crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't need to buy a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is a prime example, with a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your baby to sleep comfortably. baby bedside crib is 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 from the bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be set to a lower level so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options that can help with colic and reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib and if you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around the house. It can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're thinking about buying a crib that is bedside, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. And remember that although the crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. You'll have to get your baby into an cot before they grow out of the crib.