13 Things About Bedside Crib Vs Cot You May Not Have Considered

Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby sleep close to you at night. It is important to adhere to 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 easy to move around due its slim frame.

Safety

Many new mums are looking for the comfort of their infant while they sleep, and bedside cribs are a good alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their infant and to avoid sharing a mattress, in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.

It is crucial that when selecting the crib for your baby, you check to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.

Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be raised to allow you to safely monitor your baby at night. This means that you can soothe them, feed them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, come with the option of inclining reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.

A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your child slipping off the crib's edge Many have mesh sides to prevent the stray pillows or duvets from falling in. This is important to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to drown.

Keep dummies and soft toys away from the area as they could pose suffocation risks. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby safe. When your baby is able to sit or stand, generally at around 6 months, they will need to move to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are worried about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health visitor.

Comfort

The best cribs for beds provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to rest. Designed to sit next to your bed, they allow you to take care of your little one without having to get out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your infant during those crucial early months. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive routines at night and enhance 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 the age of 6 months or can stand up on their own. At that point, you should change to a traditional cot. The bedside crib should be suitable for your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's crucial to review the specific product guidelines.

When choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it adheres to 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). You should also ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy 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 that is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.

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). Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their baby while also being safe.

Some feature a lowering panel that you can use for safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was appreciated by many of our testers for reducing discomfort and aiding digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.

Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings which allows you to put them on the exact level as your mattress. This eliminates any gap that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is especially useful for those who are recovering from C-sections since it can be difficult to get into and out of bed.

The lower sides provide privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their space with a baby.  bedside crib travel cot  to keep in mind that if you decide to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your bed.

Before you purchase it, you'll need to ensure whether your crib for bedside will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are better suited to divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your new crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't require an additional cot. The SnuzPod4 is a prime example, with a sleek, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your baby to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

Convenience

One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed for cuddles, feedings and getting to sleep. A lot of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel lowered constantly - this is great for parents who might be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.

Some cribs are equipped with tilting features that may aid with colic or reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with care and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and needs.

Think about how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or if you will need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to take your baby with you.

Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough to be easy to move around the house. It also folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."

We suggest that you read our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for your baby. And remember that although the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. You'll have to get your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.