Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep guidance from the NHS and Lullaby Trust.
bedside cot reviews 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 want the closeness of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their child and to avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
It is essential that when selecting a crib for your baby, you check to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps in which babies may be trapped. The cribs come with an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and supervise your baby without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from c-section births or for those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to drown.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be suffocation risks. To ensure that your baby is safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you're worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby's sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to tend to your baby without getting out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This feeling of safety 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 near the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto a standard bed frame but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy, flat mattress which is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that clips securely onto the side of your bed, allowing 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 grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for a way to bond with their infant while staying safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, and others that allow you to put the panel down at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some have a reflux incline function too which many of our test moms liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps which could cause the baby to slide out or climb. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides provide privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their space with a newborn. It is crucial to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed with anyone else.
It is also important to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to purchasing some that clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate mattress for your crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must meet the latest 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 don't want to invest in a separate crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your baby to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can communicate with your baby without waking them up. There are some that keep the panel lowered constantly which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with a tilt feature that can aid in colic or 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 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 come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby with you.
It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be, and if it's simple to move it from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around the house. It also can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're considering buying a bedside crib we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the best model for your baby and your lifestyle. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.