Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you at night. But, it's crucial to follow official safe sleeping 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mothers want the closeness of their infant 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 suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to check that the product is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps in which babies may be trapped. The cribs are equipped with an even, firm mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This means you can soothe them, feed them and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your baby rolling off the crib's edge Some come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. To ensure your baby's safety and secure, make sure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, generally around 6 months old they will have to transition to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your little one without getting out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This sense of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and increase the quality of sleep for your baby.
Your baby should be kept in a crib at night until they reach the age of 6 months old or can climb up and at that point, you should move them to an old-fashioned cot. The bedside crib is likely to be suitable for your child until the age of 6 months, but it's crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mom testers. It has a height-adjustable base and can either be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects appreciate its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that clips securely onto 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). bedside cot 6 months plus have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to spend time with their infant while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed at night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some have an incline function for reflux too which many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for those children who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings permitting you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are perfect for new parents worried about sharing their space with a baby. It is important to keep in mind that even if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib or cot beside your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate mattress for your crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't want to purchase a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with a slim, sleek frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of room for your baby to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. A majority of cribs have an upper panel that slides down, so you can touch and talk to your child without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel lowered all the time which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt features that can aid in colic or reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with caution and only by a person who knows the medical history of their child and requirements.
Another feature to think about is how easy the crib is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips 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 easy to move from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around your house. It also folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to the grandparents."
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby and you. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your child will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.
