Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is essential to follow 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. It's also simple to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mums desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their child and to avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps that infants may be trapped. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can easily provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, come with an incline feature for reflux babies who have digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered crib can lower the chance of your child slipping off the edge of the crib Some come with mesh sides to stop the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is important in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as well as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To keep your baby safe, you should also ensure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they let you take care of your infant without having to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your newborn during those crucial early months. This sense of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or can stand up independently. At this point, it is time to change to a traditional cot. The bedside crib should be able to accommodate your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's essential to read the product guidelines.
When selecting a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your current bed (most clip onto traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your bedside crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is crucial for your baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mom testers. It has an adjustable height base and can be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to a bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate because of its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that attaches to the bed's side. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've been gaining popularity with moms seeking a way to bond with their baby while also being secure.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no hassle. Certain models also have an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow the baby to slip or climb out. This is especially useful for those who are recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult to climb into and out of the bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a space with their infant. It is important to keep in mind that if you do decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it's recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.
Before buying it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get a mattress that is suitable for your new crib which is usually sold separately to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can provide longevity for parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is an example, with an elegant, slim frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
cotsfortots that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel in place throughout the day which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and history.
Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and if you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to the grandparents."
We recommend you read our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for you and your baby. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its tiny size. You'll have to get your baby to an cot before they grow out of the crib.