Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby to sleep with you at night. But, it's crucial to follow the official safe sleeping guidance 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 to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should have a separate bed for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is important that when selecting the crib you will use for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in an environment that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps in which babies might be trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved to allow you to be able to see your baby in the night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and supervise your baby without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from csection births or for those with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, have the option of inclining reflux for babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A panel that is lower will lower the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib because they can be suffocation hazards. A breathable crib mattress and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once 4-in-1 bedside crib is able to stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed close to your bed, so you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the chance to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand independently. At the age of 6 months, you can switch them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib should be capable of accommodating your child until the age of 6 months, but it's crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mum testers. It has an adjustable height base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed. The crib is light and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for price. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that clips onto the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mothers looking for ways to bond with their newborn while also being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down at night so that you can feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some have an incline function for reflux too that most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for children who suffer from wind or reflux.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are ideal for parents who are worried about sharing their room with a baby. But, it's important to keep in mind that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or crib, it is still a good practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your bed.
Before buying the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to buy a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who don't want to buy an additional crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can talk and touch your baby without waking them up. There are some that keep the panel in place all the time This is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with care and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and their needs.
Another aspect to think about is how easy the crib is to clean and whether it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect to travel with if you want to take your baby with you.
It's also worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, 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 grandparents.
If you're thinking about purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and life style. Be aware that a crib might appear elegant and stylish but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.