Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep with you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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 means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their child and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres 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 set to match to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps that infants could become trapped. The cribs have an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to drown.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as well, as these can also be suffocation hazards. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby can sit up or stand, usually at around 6 months they'll need to transition to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns 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 environment for your baby's sleep. They are designed to rest beside your bed so you can take care of your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in the early years. This sense of security can help you establish a positive bedtime routine and increase your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib at night until they are six months old or are able to push themselves up and then you can move to an older cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child up to this age, but it is important to be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your current bed (most are attached to traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and airy. This is essential for your baby's health.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects are awestruck by its flexibility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that clips securely onto the side of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close during the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their infant while also being safe.
Some have a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel down in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was appreciated by many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. But, it's important to keep in mind that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who don't want to buy a separate crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to contact and talk to your little one without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel in place all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have a tilt option, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know the medical needs of their child and history.
Another feature to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby away with you.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room to room. 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 to be able to move around the house. It folds flat and comes with a bag to take on trips to the grandparents.
travel bedside crib recommend that you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for your baby. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated, but your baby will soon outgrow it. So you'll need to transfer your baby into a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.