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

Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, allows your baby to sleep right next to you at 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.

Safety

Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests that parents use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.

When selecting a bedside crib it is essential to make sure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to minimize the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.

Most bedside cribs feature an adjustable panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to monitor your baby's health at night. This allows you to easily soothe, feed, and monitor your baby without having to get up. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from c-section births or with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.

A panel that is lower will reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides to 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 prone to suffocate.

It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as well because they can be a hazard to suffocate. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at about 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are worried about this transition, it is worthwhile to talk to your GP or health professional.

Comfort

The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable space to sleep your baby. Designed to sit next to your bed, they let you take care of your baby without having to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your newborn during those crucial early months. This feeling of security can help establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

You should keep your baby in a bedside crib until they are six months old or are able to climb up and at that point, you should switch to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be suitable for your child until they reach this age but it is important to check the specific product guidelines.

When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most can be attached to the standard bed frame, but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and ventilated. This is essential for the health of your baby.

The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mum testers. It features a height adjustable base that can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers appreciate its versatility, comfortable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.

Space

A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without having to worry about the 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 remaining safe.

Some have a lowering panel that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel closed in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some models have a reflux incline function too which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.

Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings which allows you to place them on the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is especially useful for those who are recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to get into and out of bed.

The lowered sides offer some privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their bedroom with a baby. It's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.

Before you purchase the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to buy a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.

Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who don't want to buy an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Convenience

One of the great things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel which can be set to a lower level so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. There are some that keep the panel lowered all the time which is ideal for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.

Some cribs are equipped with tilt features that can aid with colic or reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib must be done with care and only by a parent who knows their baby's medical history and requirements.

Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you can machine wash it or if you'll need to wash it by hand. Some cribs have waterproof covers to guard against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs are equipped with bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling if you have to take your baby along.

Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room room. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved throughout your home." It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to visit grandparents.

If  cotsfortots  about purchasing a crib for your bed we suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to ensure that you buy the most suitable model for your baby and your life style. 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 need to move your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.