The Complete Guide To Bedside Crib Vs Cot

The Complete Guide To Bedside Crib Vs Cot

Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib (also called co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. But, it's crucial 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.

Safety

Many new mothers want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a safe option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.



It is important that when selecting the crib for your child, you examine it to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that 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 that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.

Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be adjusted so that you can safely monitor your baby at night. This means that you can easily provide them with food, comfort 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 have limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.

A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are at greater risk of being suffocated.

It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are crucial to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to sit up or stand, typically at the age of 6 months they will have to move into an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health visitor.

Comfort

The best bedside cribs offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they allow you to take care of your little one without needing to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your baby during the first few months of their life. This feeling of safety can help to establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

Your child should be kept 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 switch to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child to this age, but it is important to check the 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 can be attached to the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the crib has a sturdy, flat mattress which is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.

Our mom testers have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and simple to assemble.  bedside cot wooden  offers great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our favourites. Our test subjects are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses and reflux incline feature.

Space

A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the sides of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent times have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their baby while being secure.

Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place at night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some come with an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those babies suffering from reflux or wind.

Many bedside cribs also have adjustable height settings, allowing you to place 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 an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed while your body heals.

The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are worried about sharing a space with their newborn. It's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or cot, it's still best practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and avoid sharing your bed.

You'll also have to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to buying it - some clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Make sure you purchase the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.

Some cribs on the bed can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who don't want to purchase a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, featuring a sleek, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

Convenience

One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel which can be set to a lower level so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.

Some cribs offer tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It's important to note that tilting the crib should always be done with care and only by a person who knows the medical history of their child and requirements.

Another thing to think about is how easy it is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to bring your baby along with you.

Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's 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 easily moved around the house." It also can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."

If you're considering purchasing a crib for your bed, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your baby and your lifestyle. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your child will quickly outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.