Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest 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 desire the intimacy of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great 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 suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is important that when selecting the crib for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps where babies could become trapped. The cribs come with an even, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This means you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risk of your child falling off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to prevent stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS as babies who fall off their backs are at greater risk of being suffocated.
Keep soft toys and dummies away as they can be dangers of suffocation. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, generally at around 6 months they'll need to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you're worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a secure and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will let you take care of your baby without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during those crucial early months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and enhance the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At the age of 6 months, you can switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside crib ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
Our expert mum testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that attaches to the bed's side. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their child while being secure.
bedside baby bed lowering panel that you can use for secure viewing and touch of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel down at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some models also come with 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.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow your baby to climb out or slip. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections, as it can be difficult to get into and out of bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their infant. It's important to note that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your own bed.
You'll also need to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to buying it - some clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't require a separate cot. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib for bed is that it's easy to get 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, so you can touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
baby bedside sleeper come with tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and their history.
Another aspect to think about is how easy it 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 drips. Some cribs have bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around your house. It can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
If you're considering buying a bedside crib, we recommend you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to make sure you get the best model for your baby and lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will quickly outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.