The Comprehensive Guide To Bedside Crib Vs Cot
Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is important 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. It's also easy to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs are a good option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should use a separate sleeping surface for their child and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When selecting a bedside crib, it is important to make sure that the crib conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps where babies might be trapped. The cribs come with an even, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel which can be lowered to allow you to safely monitor your baby at night. This means that you can easily comfort them, feed and monitor them without getting out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.
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 vital to keep your baby safe. When your baby can sit up or stand, generally around 6 months old, they will need to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you are concerned regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside use provide a secure and comfortable environment for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will let you take care of your infant without having to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and increase your baby's overall sleep quality.
You should keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach six months old or are able to climb up and then you should move them to an old-fashioned cot. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until they reach the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific guidelines for the product.
When selecting 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, however you should always check the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and breathable. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mum testers. visit the next website page comes with an adjustable height base and can be used as a standalone crib or connected to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers great value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers appreciate for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that clips onto the side of the bed. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their baby while remaining safe.
They typically feature the lowering panel, which you can use to safely be able to touch and observe your baby, and some that let you keep the panel closed at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some come with a reflux incline function too, which many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children who are suffering from reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them on the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult to get in and out of bed.
The lower sides provide privacy and are ideal for new parents worried about sharing their room with a newborn. It is important to keep in mind that even if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.
You'll also need to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame before buying some that clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to get a mattress that is suitable for your new crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't require a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, sporting a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your little one to sleep comfortably. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and then soothe them to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to touch and talk to your baby without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel down throughout the day which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs come with tilt options that can help with colic and reflux. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and their history.
Another thing to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby away with you.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around your home. It folds flat, and comes with a bag for trips to visit grandparents.
We recommend you go through our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for you and your baby. Be aware that a crib might appear elegant and stylish but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to get your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.