Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It is essential 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. It's also easy to move around thanks its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers are looking for the comfort of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps where babies could become trapped. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be lowered to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. This means that you can easily soothe them, feed 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 who are unable to move. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, come with a reflux incline feature for babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can reduce the risk of your child slipping off the crib's edge Some have mesh sides to prevent any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose dangers of suffocation. To ensure that your baby is safe and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
bedside co sleeper for beds provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. They are designed to rest beside your bed so you can care for your child without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the early years. This feeling of security can help establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your baby in a bedside crib until they are six months old or are able to climb up, at which point you should switch to an old-fashioned cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but you should check the product guidelines.
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, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also provides great value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in popularity among mothers who want to spend time with their baby while being secure.
They typically feature the lowering panel, which allows you to see and touch your baby, as well as some that let you put the panel down at night for the ease of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some have an incline function for reflux too that many of our test mums loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for children who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed as your body heals.
bedside co sleeper lowered sides also offer some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. It is important to keep in mind that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it is still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.
Before purchasing, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must comply with 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 need to buy a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is an model, featuring a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
bedside cosleeper of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed for feeds, cuddles and soothing back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that drops down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your child without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel lowered throughout the day which is ideal for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and the history.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or if you'll have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for travel in case you need to take your baby along.
It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be, and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around the house. It folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to the grandparents."
We recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Remember that a crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to grow out of it.