Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby sleep close to you at night. But, it's crucial 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
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 to avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is important to ensure that when you select the crib for your child, you examine it to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help 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 allows you to comfort, feed, and supervise your child without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from csection births or with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS as babies who roll off their back are at greater risk of suffocation.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as well as they could be suffocation hazards. To ensure your baby's safety and secure, make sure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at around 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it's important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a secure and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. They are designed to rest next to your bed so that you can look after your baby without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This sense of security will help you establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib beside the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand by themselves. At that point, you should switch them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child up to this age, but it is important to review the guidelines for the crib.
When choosing a crib for your bed be sure it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the bedside crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.
Our expert mum testers have been glowing 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. bedside crib travel cot is light and simple to assemble. It also offers excellent value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is secured to the side of your own 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). They've been gaining popularity with mums looking for a way to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
They typically feature an incline panel that allows you to feel and see your baby, and some that allow you to put the panel down at night for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Certain models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was loved by many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. bedside cot wooden eliminates any gap which could cause the baby to slip or climb out. This is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of 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 if you do decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it is important to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before purchasing it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not need to buy a separate cot. The SnuzPod4 is an model, featuring an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, so you can contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel down throughout the day which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs offer tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and their history.
Another feature to consider is how easy the crib is to clean and whether it's machine washable or will you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for taking on trips if you have to take your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was our 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 around your home." 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 make sure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Keep in mind that a crib can appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.