Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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. It's also easy to move around thanks to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is essential that when choosing the crib you will use for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a place where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps in which babies might be trapped. The cribs come with a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This means that you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your child falling off the edge of the crib Many have mesh sides to prevent stray duvets or pillows from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS because babies who roll off their back are more susceptible to being suffocated.
Be bedside rocking crib to keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose suffocation risks. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is secure. When your baby can sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old they'll need to move to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your baby without getting out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your baby in those precious early months. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive nighttime routines and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach the age of six months old or able to climb up and then you should move them to an old-fashioned crib. The bedside crib should be able to accommodate your child until they reach this age but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your existing bed (most are attached to standard bed frames, but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is crucial for your baby's health.
Our mom testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also offers excellent value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by 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 own bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've been gaining popularity with mothers looking for ways to bond with their baby while staying safe.
They typically feature an incline panel that you can use to safely see and touch your baby, and some that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also come with a reflux incline feature, which was a favorite among many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings as well, enabling you to position them on the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for parents who are worried about sharing their room with a newborn. It's important to keep in mind that if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.
You'll also need to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to buying it some that clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to buy a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can provide to the life of parents who don't want to buy a separate crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, sporting an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed allows you to easily lift your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to contact and talk to your child without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt features that can help with reflux or colic. rocking bedside crib to note that tilting the crib must be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and needs.
Another feature to consider is how easy it is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room to room. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It also folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib we suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby into an cot before they grow out of the crib.