Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. It is essential 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 means it's easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mums are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents have a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from csection births or with mobility issues. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib, and many come with mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy 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 also vital to keep your baby safe. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest next to your bed so that you can take care of your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This feeling of security will help you establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib at night until they are six months old or are able to get up and then you should switch to an older crib. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. bedside rocking crib should be able to work with your current bed (most are attached to standard bed frames, but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the crib has a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mom testers. It comes with a height adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to a bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that clips onto the bed's side. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with moms seeking a way to bond with their baby while staying safe.
They typically feature a lowering panel, which you can use to safely see and touch your baby, as well as some that allow you to keep 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 appreciated by many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps which could cause the baby to slide out or climb. This is especially beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult to climb into and out of the bed.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. It is important to keep in mind that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot beside your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
Before buying, you'll need to check that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who don't want to invest in an additional crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek 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 travel.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that drops down, allowing you to touch and talk to your baby without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel in place constantly which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and history.
Another aspect to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and is it 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 easily moved around the house." It also folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking about purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend you read our complete reviews and ratings of the top cribs on the market to ensure you purchase the best model for your child and your life style. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your newborn will quickly grow out of its small size. You'll have to get your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.