Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines of 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 mothers desire the intimacy of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant and to avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps that infants may be trapped. The cribs have an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be raised to allow you to securely monitor your baby during the night. This means that you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, come with an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered crib can reduce the risks of your child slipping off the edge of the crib, and many have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are more at risk of being suffocated.
Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose risky for suffocation. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old, they will need to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions about this transition, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime offer a safe and comfortable environment to sleep your baby. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to take care of your baby without needing to get out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your baby in a crib at night until they are six months old or able to climb up, at which point you should switch to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until the age of 6 months, but it's essential to read the 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 breathable. This is crucial for your baby's health.
Our mom testers have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which is height-adjustable and can be used as a separate crib or attached to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that clips onto the bed's side. This lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their child while being secure.
They usually come with a lowering panel, which allows you to feel and see your baby, as well as some that let you keep the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. bedside cots have an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside use come with adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps 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 get into and out of bed.
The lower sides provide privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their space with a newborn. But, it's important to remember that if you choose to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.
It is also important to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame before buying - some clip onto bedsteads while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to buy the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib for bed is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the panel lowered constantly which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilt options that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and their history.
Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some cribs come with a storage bag that makes them perfect for traveling 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 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 bag to take on trips to grandparents.
We recommend that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Be aware that even though a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its tiny size. So you'll need to transfer your baby into a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.