Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, lets your baby to sleep right next to you during the night. But, it's crucial 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. Additionally, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room room.
Safety
Many new mums are looking for the comfort of their baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe 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 to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
It is crucial that when selecting the crib for your child, you examine it to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a place that is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the parent's bed frame, reducing the risk of gaps that infants could become trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
The majority of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable panel that can be raised to let you be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This means that you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without getting out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. bedside crib travel , such as the SnuzPod4, have a reflux incline feature for babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys out of the crib as well because they can be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby secure. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at the age of 6 months), they will need a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, it is important to speak with your GP or health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use offer a safe and comfortable space to sleep your baby. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to take care of your baby without having to get out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive routine for your night and increase your baby's overall sleep quality.
Your child should be kept in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up independently. At this point, it is time to switch them to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child up to this age, but you should be sure to read the instructions for the product.
When you are choosing a bedside crib ensure that it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, but you should always check the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the bedside crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also provides great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that attaches to the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the danger of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for a way to bond with their baby while also being secure.
Some have a lowering panel that you can use for secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some models also have a reflux incline feature, which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings too, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to get in and out of bed.
The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their room with a newborn. But, it's important to keep in mind that if you choose to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
Before you purchase it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Make sure you purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to invest in an additional crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting a slim, sleek frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom, and provides plenty of room for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of the bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be set to a lower level to allow you to speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is ideal for parents who have had C-sections who want to keep their child close.
Some cribs offer tilt options, which can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical needs and the history.
Another aspect to think about is how easy it is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some cribs are equipped with a storage bag that makes them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and if it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep with the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved around your home." It can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend you read our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. You'll have to get your baby to a cot before they grow out of the crib.