A Look Into The Future: What Will The Bedside Crib Vs Cot Industry Look Like In 10 Years?
Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It is important 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. It's also easy to move around due its slim frame.
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. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their infant, and avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a bedside crib it is crucial to ensure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your child is sleeping 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 and reduce the risk of gaps that infants might be trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved to allow you to be able to see your baby in the night. This allows you to provide comfort, feed and supervise your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who have just recovered from c section births or for those with limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.
A panel that is lower will reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is essential to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to drown.
It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib because they can be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. 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 is able to 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 have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for beds provide an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they allow you to take care of your little one without getting out of bed. They will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This feeling of safety can help establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
You should keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should change to an older cot. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until the age of 6 months, but it's important to check the specific product guidelines.
When choosing a bedside cot be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should also be compatible with your existing bed (most are attached to standard bed frames, but you should always double check the exact dimensions). You should also make sure that the crib has a sturdy, flat mattress which is breathable - this is vital for baby's health.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a favorite among our mum testers. It features a height adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to a bed. It is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is a device that clips onto the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in popularity among mothers who want to spend time with their baby while remaining safe.
Some feature a lowering panel that allows secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel closed in the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Certain models also have an incline feature for reflux, which was a favorite among many of our testers for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
Many bedside cribs also have adjustable height settings, allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult to get in and out of the bed.
The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their infant. It's important to keep in mind that if you opt to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a cot, it's still best practice to adhere to the official safe sleeping guidance and not share your bed.
It is also important to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame prior to buying it - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others work better with divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require a suitable mattress for your new crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some bedside cribs can also be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great solution for parents who don't need to buy a separate crib. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
A bedside crib makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and soothe them to sleep. Many cribs come with an attached side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to communicate with your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their child close.
Some cribs are equipped with tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know the medical needs of their child and their history.
Another feature to consider is how easy the crib is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or you have to hand wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness and drips. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and is it easy to move from room to room. Jasmine, our 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." bedside travel cot can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."
If you're thinking of buying a bedside crib, we recommend you read our complete reviews and ratings of the best ones on the market, to make sure you get the ideal crib for your baby and your lifestyle. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll have to get your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.