Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you during the night. It is essential to follow the official safe sleeping guidelines of the NHS and Lullaby Trust.
4-in-1 bedside crib 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 due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mums desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib, it is important to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in 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 an even, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted so that you can safely see your baby during the night. This means that you can easily soothe them, feed them and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel can also lower the chance of your baby rolling off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. bedside cosleeper is important in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more prone to suffocate.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from the area as they could pose dangers of suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also crucial to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at around 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. Designed to sit next to your bed, they allow you to take care of your little one without having to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during those crucial early months. This feeling of security can help to establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach 6 months old or can climb up, at which point you should move them to an older crib. The bedside crib is likely to be able to accommodate your child until this age, but it is essential to read the specifications of the product.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to a standard bed frame but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the crib has a firm and flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital to the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. The crib is light and easy to set up. It provides great value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers love it for its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the sides of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their baby while being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen that allows secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some models also come with a reflux incline feature, which was appreciated by many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, which means there's no gap that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib or cot by your bed, it's still best to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also need to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate mattress for your new crib which is usually sold separately to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can increase to the life of parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an model, sporting a slim, sleek frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your baby to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to contact and talk to your little one without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel lowered constantly which is ideal for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may help with reflux or colic. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and the history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
It's also important to take into consideration how heavy the crib will be, and if it's easy to move it from one room to another. 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 bag for trips to grandparents.
We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for your baby and you. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will quickly outgrow it. So you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.