Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. But, it's crucial 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 due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy of their baby whilst 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 make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to ensure that the crib meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to securely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and supervise your child without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c section births or with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A panel that is lower will reduce 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 risk of SIDS as babies who have their backs rolled off are at greater risk of being suffocated.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as they could be a hazard to suffocate. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby safe. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a secure and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can look after your child without having to leave your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in those early months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.
You should keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At this point, it is time to change them to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib ensure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and breathable. This is crucial for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mom testers. It has a height adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers great value for the money. Cots 4 Tots of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep 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 mums looking for ways to bond with their baby while staying safe.
They typically feature the lowering panel, which you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as some that let you keep the panel down at night for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some models have an incline function for reflux too which most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap which could cause the baby to slip or climb out. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot beside your bed, it is still best to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should be in line with the most recent 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. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to touch and talk to your child without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have a tilt option, which can help with reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and the history.
Another feature to think about is how easy the crib is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
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 another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around your house. It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to grandparents.
We recommend you read our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for your baby and you. Remember that while a crib might look lovely and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to get your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.