Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep 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. Additionally, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new mothers want the closeness of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents have a separate bed for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is essential that when choosing a crib for your baby, you check to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most cribs for bed have an adjustable panel that can be raised to allow you to securely monitor your baby during the night. This allows you to comfort, feed, and supervise your child without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel can also reduce the risk of your child slipping off the edge of the crib, and many come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is important in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose suffocation risks. A breathable crib mattress and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand, usually at the age of 6 months, they will need to move into a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a safe, comfortable place to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed beside your bed so you can care for your baby without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and increase the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.
You should keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should change to an older cot. The bedside crib should be suitable for your child until the age of 6 months, but it's crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.
When selecting a bedside crib, make sure that it adheres to 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 bedside crib is firm, flat and breathable. My Web Page is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mom testers have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that is height-adjustable and can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects love it for its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that attaches to the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mothers looking for a way to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models have an incline function for reflux too that most of our test mothers appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for those babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also come with adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them at the same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps which could cause the baby to slide out or climb. This is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to get in and out of the bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a space with their newborn. It's important to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot beside your bed, it is important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
Before you purchase it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a mattress that is suitable for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to buy a separate cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child from bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your little one without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilt features that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to note that tilting the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Consider how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to bring your baby along with you.
Also, you should consider how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room to 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 be able to move throughout your home." It also folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to the grandparents."
We recommend that you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for you and your baby. Be aware that even though a crib may appear beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. You'll have to get your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.