A Delightful Rant About Bedside Crib Vs Cot
Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper, allows your baby sleep close to you at night. It is important to follow the official safe sleeping 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 to its slim frame.
Safety
Many new mothers are looking for the comfort of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents use a separate sleeping surface for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, to ensure your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be matched to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps where babies could become trapped. The cribs come with an even, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most cribs for bed have a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can easily comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels have mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS because babies who have their backs rolled off are more susceptible to suffocation.
It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. To keep your baby safe and secure, make sure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby can sit up or stand, generally at the age of 6 months they'll need to move to a cot or other suitable sleeping arrangement. If you're worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space to sleep your baby. Built to sit beside your bed, they will let you take care of your infant without needing to get out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive routines at night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they are 6 months old or can get up and at that point, you should move them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age but it is crucial to review the specific specifications of the product.
When selecting a bedside crib be sure it complies with 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). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mum testers. It features an adjustable height base that can be used as a standalone crib or attached to a bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers great value for the money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its versatility, breathable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the side of your own bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with mums looking for a way to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was loved by many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
Some cribs with adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them at the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. Cots For Tots is an important 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 offer privacy and are great for parents who are concerned about sharing their room with a baby. It's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
Before you purchase, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a suitable mattress for your new crib that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't want to purchase an additional crib. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a handy travel bag.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and soothe them back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel in place all the time - this is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with care and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and requirements.
Another thing to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travelling if you need to bring your baby along with you.
It's also important to take into consideration the weight of the crib be and whether it is simple to move it from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around your house. It also folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."
If you're considering buying a bedside crib, we recommend you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your baby and lifestyle. And remember that although a crib may appear beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to get your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.