Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as 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. It's also easy to move around thanks to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their baby, and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is essential that when choosing a crib for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of 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 combined with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of infants being trapped in gaps. The cribs come with a firm, flat mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be adjusted so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means you can comfortably comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This 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 the ability to tilt your reflux for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the chance of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are at greater risk of suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as well, as these can also be suffocation hazards. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also essential to ensure your baby is safe. Once your baby can sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old, they will need to move to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they let you take care of your baby without having to get out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This sense of security can help you establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up independently. At the age of 6 months, you can change to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child up to this age, but you should be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
Our mom testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. The crib is light, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers appreciate its flexibility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to 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. Recent years have seen a rise in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel in place in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was loved 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, allowing you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to climb out or slip. This is especially useful for those who are recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult to get into and out of bed.
The lower sides provide privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their space with a newborn. But, it's important to keep in mind that if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your own bed.
Before you purchase, 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, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a mattress that is suitable for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs on the bed can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't want to purchase an additional cot. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
bedside cosleeper 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 for feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A majority of cribs have an attached side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is perfect for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical needs and their history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib, and whether you can machine wash it or have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby away with you.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib 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 be easily moved throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit grandparents.
If you're considering buying a bedside crib, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your baby and lifestyle. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.