Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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 room.
Safety
Many new mums want the closeness of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
It is crucial to ensure that when you select a crib for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a space where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent and reduce the risk of gaps that infants may be trapped. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have an adjustable panel that can be raised to allow you to securely monitor your baby during the night. This means that you can easily comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your child slipping off the edge of the crib, and many come with mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS because babies who have their backs rolled off are at greater risk of suffocation.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. To keep your baby safe and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand, usually at around 6 months they will have to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a safe, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. They are designed to rest next to your bed so that you can look after your child without having to leave your bed. This gives you the opportunity to connect with your baby during those early months. This feeling of security will help you establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your baby should be kept in a crib by the bed until they are 6 months old or can push themselves up and at that point, you can move to an old-fashioned crib. bedside crib travel cot should be able to accommodate your child until this age but it is important to check the specific product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to a standard bed frame but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is essential for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mum testers. It comes with an adjustable height base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to the bed. It is lightweight and easy to put together. It also provides excellent value for money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the sides of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close during the night without any 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 bond with their child while being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen that you can use for secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel in place at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some models have an incline function for reflux too which many of our test moms loved for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for infants who suffer from wind or reflux.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings too which allows you to place them at the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections since it can be a challenge to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their newborn. But, it's important to keep in mind that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether your crib for bedside is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who don't want to invest in a separate cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with a sleek, 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 simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib for bed is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed for nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A majority of cribs have an attached side panel that can be set to a lower level so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. There are cribs that keep the panel in place throughout the day - this is great for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib should be done with attention and only by a parent who is aware of their baby's medical history and needs.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib and whether you can machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs are equipped with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to bring your baby along with you.
Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around the house." It also folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to grandparents."
We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby. Remember that a crib may appear elegant and stylish but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.