Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is important to adhere to 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. Its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib it is essential to ensure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps that infants may be trapped. The cribs have a firm, flat mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs feature the option of a panel that can be lowered to let you be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This allows you to easily comfort, feed, and supervise your child without having to get up. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from csection births or with limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS because babies who roll off their back are at greater risk of being suffocated.
Keep dummies and soft toys away as they can be risky for suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are vital to keep your baby safe. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at around 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can take care of your child without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This sense of security will help you establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up by themselves. At the age of 6 months, you can change them to an older cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child up to this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
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 the standard bed frame, but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the bedside crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mum testers. It features an adjustable height base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to a bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers appreciate its versatility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the sides of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their child while also being safe.
They usually have the lowering panel, which allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel down at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Certain models also have a reflux incline feature, which was loved by many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap which could cause the baby to climb out or slip. This is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to get into and out of the bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. It is crucial to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it is recommended to follow guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
You'll also have to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to buying it some that clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate mattress 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 bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who do not want to purchase a separate crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, sporting an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your little one to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
A bedside crib allows you to easily lift your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
click here to investigate are equipped with tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with care and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and needs.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and if you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around the house." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Keep in mind that a crib can appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.