Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It is important to follow 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. It's also simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child, and avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib 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 baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps where babies might be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature a panel which can be adjusted to let you securely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or with mobility issues. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
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 prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose suffocation risks. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are vital to keep your baby safe. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime offer a safe, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to sit beside your bed so you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This gives you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This sense of security will help establish a positive bedtime routine and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they are six months old or able to climb up and then you can move to an old-fashioned crib. The bedside crib is likely to be able to accommodate your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific specifications of the product.
When choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your existing bed (most attach to standard bed frames but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mum testers. It comes with a height-adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to the bed. The crib is light and simple to assemble. It also offers excellent value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that attaches to the bed's side. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've been gaining popularity with mothers looking for a way to bond with their infant while also being secure.
bedside crib that turns into cot feature the lowering panel, which you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, as well as others that allow you to put the panel down at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings as well, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, which means 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, because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their infant. But, it's important to note that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or cot, it's still best to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.
Before buying, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while 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 should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't require a separate cot. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any room and offers 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
One of the great things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. A majority of cribs have an attached side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel in place all the time. This is great for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their child close.
Some cribs have tilt features that can help with reflux or colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with caution and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and requirements.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib and if you are able to machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move throughout your home." It also can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend that you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby. And remember that although a crib might look lovely and elegant, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.