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 follow official safe sleeping guidance 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 to room.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their baby and to avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib it is crucial to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs have an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature a panel which can be adjusted to allow you to securely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c section births or for those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be risky for suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, usually at around 6 months they'll need to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest beside your bed so you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and increase your baby's overall sleep quality.
You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up on their own. At this point, it is time to switch them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib should be suitable for your child until they reach this age, but it is essential to read the guidelines for the product.
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 it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is crucial for 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 separate crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers appreciate its flexibility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that is attached to the bed's side. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've grown in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their newborn while also being secure.
They usually have a lowering panel, which you can use to safely see and touch your baby, as well as some that let you keep the panel down at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some have an incline function for reflux too which many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for those infants who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with a bedside also have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow your baby to climb out or slip. This is especially beneficial for those recovering after C-sections as it can be difficult for them to get into and out of the bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are perfect for parents who are concerned about sharing their room with a newborn. It is crucial to remember 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 avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
It is also important to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to buying it - some clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not require an additional cot. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the best things about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel in place all the time which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel if you have 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 the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to grandparents.
If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside we suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to make sure you get the ideal crib for your baby and life style. And remember that although a crib might look lovely and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. Therefore, you'll have to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.