Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you during 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. It's also easy to move around thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. However, travel cot bedside crib Cots 4 Tots suggests parents use a separate sleeping surface for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is important that when selecting the crib for your infant, you verify to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of infants being trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be moved so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means that you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can lower the chance of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib Some have mesh sides to prevent the stray pillows or duvets from falling into. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are more at risk of dying from suffocation.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit or stand, generally at the age of 6 months they will have to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use offer a safe, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will allow you to take care of your infant without having to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This feeling of safety can help establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand by themselves. At this point, it is time to switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but you should be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your bed (most clip onto standard bed frames but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). Also, ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm and 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 features a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to a bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides great value for price. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your bed, allowing you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their baby while remaining safe.
Some have a lowering panel that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel closed in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Certain models also have 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 with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slip or climb out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. It is important to keep in mind that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot by your bed, it is still best to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
It is also important to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to buying it some that clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need an appropriate mattress for your crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to invest in an additional crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to communicate with your baby without disturbing them. There are some that keep the panel lowered throughout the day This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with a tilt option, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and whether you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.
It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be and if it's simple to move it from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has 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 the house. It folds flat, and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents.
We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby and you. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will soon outgrow it. So you'll need to transfer your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.