Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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. Plus, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to 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 select a separate area for their child and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib it is crucial to make sure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be moved so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means that you can easily comfort them, feed and monitor them without needing to get out of bed. This can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer a reflux incline function for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are more at risk of dying from suffocation.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as well because they can be suffocation hazards. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health 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 next to your bed, they will allow you to take care of your baby without getting out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand by themselves. At this point, it is time to change to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your bed (most are attached to traditional bed frames, however it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mum testers. It features an adjustable height base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to the bed. The crib is light and easy to put together. It also provides great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've been gaining popularity with moms seeking a way to bond with their baby while staying safe.
Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place during the night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some have a reflux incline function too, which many of our test mums loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps which could cause the baby to slip or climb out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their room with a baby. It's important to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot by your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
You'll also need to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to purchase 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 on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't require an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is an model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that drops down, allowing you to contact and talk to your little one without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel down 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 tilt features that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or need to wash it by hand. bedside crib vs cot Cots 4 Tots are equipped with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be and if it's easy to move it from one room to another. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
If you're thinking about purchasing a crib for your bed We suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and life style. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.