Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. However, it's important to follow the 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 simple to move around due to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their infant, and avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
It is important that when selecting the crib you will use for your child, you examine it to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in an environment where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame to decrease the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved to allow you to be able to see your baby in the night. This lets you easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without having to get up. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from csection births or those who have mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS, as babies that have their backs rolled off are more susceptible to suffocation.
Keep dummies and soft toys away from the area as they could pose dangers of suffocation. To ensure that your baby is safe it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any concerns about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a safe, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed so that you can care for your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your baby in the beginning months. This feeling of security will help you establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand by themselves. At that point, you should change to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child until this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto a standard bed frame but you should always check the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen bedside crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a favorite among our mum testers. It features a height adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to the bed. cotsfortots is light, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects are awestruck by its flexibility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that can be secured to the side of your bed, allowing 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 seen a rise in popularity recently with mothers looking for ways to bond with their infant while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel closed at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was appreciated by many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is especially useful for those 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 concerned about sharing a room with their infant. It is important to keep in mind that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot by your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
Before buying the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a suitable mattress for your new crib which is typically sold separately to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who do not require an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, featuring an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
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 feeds, cuddles and soothing back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can contact and talk to your little one without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. There are some that keep the panel in place constantly which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs come with tilting features that may aid with colic or reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib should be done with care and only by a parent who is aware of their baby's medical history and requirements.
Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for taking on trips if you have to take your baby along.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be, and if it's easy to move from one room to the next. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around the house." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to grandparents.
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Remember that while a crib might look lovely and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby's going to grow out of its small size. So you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.