Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep with you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines of 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. Additionally, 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 cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their baby and avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps where babies may be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature a panel which can be adjusted to allow you to be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This allows you to provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from csection births or with mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, come with a reflux incline feature for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also lower the chance of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Some have mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling into. This is important for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose suffocation risks. To keep your baby safe, you should also ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby can sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old they'll need to transition to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an ensconced and safe space for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they let you take care of your baby without getting out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during those crucial early months. This feeling of safety can help to establish positive routines at night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
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 an older 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 crib be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital to the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mum testers. It has an adjustable height base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to a bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is secured to 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). Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their baby while being secure.
They usually come with the lowering panel, which allows you to see and touch your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Certain models also have an incline feature for reflux which was loved by many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are perfect for parents who are concerned about sharing their space 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's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Make sure you purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to put together 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 bed to feed them, cuddle them and then soothe them to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that drops down, so you can contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel lowered throughout the day - this is great for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with a tilt feature that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical needs and the history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib and whether you can machine wash it or have to hand-wash it. bedside co sleeper have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to bring your baby along with you.
It's also important to take into consideration how heavy the crib will be and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your house. It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to grandparents.
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib, we recommend you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and life style. And remember that although a crib may appear beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. You'll have to get your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.