Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. However, it's important to follow the official safe sleeping 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. It's also easy to move around due to its slim frame.
bedside baby bed are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their baby and avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to make sure that the crib is compliant with 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 with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps in which babies could become trapped. The cribs come with an even, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be raised to let you be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This lets you easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without having to get up. This is especially beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c section births or with mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the option of inclining reflux for babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel will also reduce the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are more at risk of being suffocated.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from the area as they could pose suffocation risks. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, usually at the age of 6 months they will have to move to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can look after your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the chance to connect with your baby during those early months. This feeling of security can help to establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At this point, it is time to change them to an older cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child to this age, but you must be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When choosing a crib for your bed, make sure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and airy. This is essential for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mum testers. It comes with a height-adjustable base and can either be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to a bed. This crib is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that clips onto the bed's side. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with moms seeking ways to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen that you can use for secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel down in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Some models also have a reflux incline feature, which was loved by many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings as well, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their newborn. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or crib, it is still a good practice to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
You'll also need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame before buying - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to buy an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not require a separate crib. SnuzPod4 has
baby bedside cot that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the best things about a crib for bed is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with a tilt feature that can aid in colic or reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with caution and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and their needs.
Another feature to consider is how easy it is to clean, and whether it can be washed by machine or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and drips. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move throughout your home." It also folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.