Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. It is important to follow 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 simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents have a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is important that when choosing the crib for your infant, you verify to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps in which babies may be trapped. baby bedside cot come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature the option of a panel that can be raised to let you securely monitor your baby during the night. This means that you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also lower the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides to prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS because babies who roll off their back are more susceptible to 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 crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months), they will need an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned about this transition, speak to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to tend to your infant without having to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This sense of security can help to establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up by themselves. At this point, it is time to change to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto 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 flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a popular choice among our mum testers. It has a height-adjustable base and can either be used as a standalone crib or connected to the bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our testers love it for its flexibility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that clips onto the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not 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 infant while staying safe.
They usually come with an incline panel that allows you to feel and see your baby, and others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models have a reflux incline function too which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those babies who suffer from wind or reflux.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap which could cause the baby to slip or climb out. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of the bed.
The lower sides provide privacy and are great 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 bedside crib or cot, it's still best practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that your 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. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate mattress for your new crib which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide to the life of parents who don't want to buy an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to touch and talk to your baby without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel in place all the time - this is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt features that can help with reflux or colic. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and history.
Take note of how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or if you will need to wash it manually. baby bedside cot are equipped with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It folds flat, and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.
If you're considering buying a bedside crib, we recommend you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to make sure you get the best model for your child and your life style. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to get out of it.