Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. However, it's 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 easy to move around thanks to its slim frame.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is essential to ensure that when you select 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 of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs have a firm, flat mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be moved so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This allows you to easily comfort, feed, and supervise your child without having to get up. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from c section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS, as babies that have their backs rolled off are more at risk of being suffocated.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib because they can be suffocation hazards. To keep bedside cosleeper 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 can sit up or stand, generally at the age of 6 months they will have to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you're worried about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health care professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use offer a safe, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will allow you to take care of your little one without getting out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This feeling of security will help you establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach six months old or able to climb up, at which point you should switch to an old-fashioned crib. The bedside crib should be capable of accommodating your child until this age, but it is important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib ensure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and airy. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which is height-adjustable and can be used as a separate crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also provides great value for money. 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 sleeping space that clips securely onto the side 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). They've grown in popularity recently with mums looking for ways to bond with their infant while also being secure.
They usually come with the lowering panel, which allows you to feel and see your baby, as well as others that allow you to put the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow your baby to slip or climb out. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections since it can be difficult for them to get in and out of the bed.
The lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. It is crucial to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot beside your bed, it is important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before purchasing it, you'll need to ensure whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your new crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't require a separate cot. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together, and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
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 cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be lowered to allow you to talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. There are some that keep the panel in place constantly which is ideal for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with care and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and needs.
Take note of how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick 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 is it easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around your home. It also can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for your baby. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your newborn will quickly grow out of its small size. You'll need to move your baby into a cot before they move out of the crib.