10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Bedside Crib Vs Cot
Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is important 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 its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside travel cot cribs are a good option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.
It is essential that when selecting the crib you will use for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space where he is secure and safe. bedside crib travel cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. They also come with a sturdy flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be adjusted to let you safely monitor your baby during the night. This means that you can easily comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, even offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will lower the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are more susceptible to suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib because they can be suffocation hazards. To keep your baby safe, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you're worried about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby's sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to take care of your baby without having to get out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive bedtime routine and enhance the quality of sleep for your baby.
Your baby should be kept in a bedside crib until they reach the age of six months old or are able to climb up and at that point, you should move them to an older crib. The bedside crib should be capable of accommodating your child until the age of 6 months, but it's crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.
When you are choosing a bedside travel crib crib, make sure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.
Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. The crib is light and easy to set up. It provides great value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its versatility, comfortable mattresses and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the sides of your bed, allowing 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). They've grown in popularity recently with mothers looking for ways to bond with their newborn while staying safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that you can use for secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed at night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no fuss. Some models have an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test moms loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to climb out or slip. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.
The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a space with their infant. However, it's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to follow the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your bed.
You'll also have to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame before buying some that clip onto bedsteads while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to buy a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who don't want to buy a separate crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy travel cot bedside bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, so you can contact and talk to your child without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilt features that can help with reflux or colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with attention and only by a parent who knows the medical history of their child and their needs.
Think about how easy it is to clean the crib and if you are able to machine wash it or if you will need to wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some cribs are equipped with an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.
It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be and whether it is simple to move it from one room to another. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum test subject, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move around your home." It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to visit grandparents.
We suggest that you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby. Be aware that even though the crib may look beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. So you'll need to move your baby into a cot bed before they start to outgrow it.