Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. It is important to follow the official safe sleeping guidelines 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. Its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new mothers are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. 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 as well as overheating.
It is important to ensure that when you select a crib for your baby, you check to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for 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 parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be lowered so that you can securely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to easily soothe, feed, and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for new mothers recovering from c-section births or for those with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered crib can reduce the risks of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Many have mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are more at risk of dying from suffocation.
Keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be risky for suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby can sit up or stand, generally at the age of 6 months, they will need to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions about this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will let you take care of your little one 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 routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach 6 months old or can push themselves up, at which point you can move to a traditional crib. The bedside crib should be suitable for your child until they reach this age but it is essential to read the product guidelines.
When choosing a crib for your bed, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). best bedside cot uk should also make sure that the crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its versatility, comfortable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your own bed, allowing you to keep your baby close throughout the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their infant while being secure.
Some have a lowering panel that you can use for secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some let you keep the panel closed in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was loved by many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their room with a baby. But, it's important to keep in mind that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a crib, it is still a good practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also have to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame before buying - some clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not need to buy a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room 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 that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with a tilt feature that can help with reflux or colic. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical needs and the history.
Another aspect to consider is how easy it is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around your home." It folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to grandparents."
We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to move your baby to an cot before they grow out of the crib.