Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you during the night. But, travel cot bedside crib to follow 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. Plus, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new moms want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child, and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to make sure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame which reduces the chance of gaps in which babies might be trapped. The cribs are equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be moved to allow you to be able to see your baby in the night. This means you can easily provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, come with a reflux incline feature for babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risk of your child falling off the edge of the crib Some come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are more at risk of suffocation.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib because they can be suffocation hazards. To ensure your baby's safety and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old, they will need to move to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can take care of your child without having to leave your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in those early months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
You should 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 that point, you should switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but it is important to be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When selecting a bedside crib, make sure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however you should always check the exact dimensions). You should also ensure that your chosen crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
Our expert mum testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is secured to the sides 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 a rise in popularity among mothers who want to bond with their child while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen 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 fuss. bedside cot newborn come with an incline feature for reflux, which was a favorite among many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It's important to keep in mind that if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
Before purchasing the crib, make sure that your bedside crib will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate mattress for your crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib itself and should comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can provide longevity for parents who don't want to invest in a separate cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child out of the bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to communicate with your baby without disturbing them. There are cribs that keep the panel lowered throughout the day which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilt options, which can help with colic and reflux. It is important to remember that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and history.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or need to wash it by hand. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips 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 to room. travel cot bedside crib & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of 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 bag for trips to grandparents.
We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.