The Worst Advice We've Received On Bedside Crib Vs Cot
Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. It is essential 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 desire the intimacy of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed are a good alternative for families who want to co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to use a separate surface for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.
It is crucial that when choosing the crib you will use for your baby, you check to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, ensure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to make sure that he is sleeping in a space that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be moved so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means that you can easily soothe them, feed them and monitor them without getting out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also lower the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the chance of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are at greater risk of being suffocated.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as well, as these can also be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is secure. Once your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are worried about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best cribs for bedside offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. They are designed to be placed next to your bed so that you can take care of your child without leaving your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during those early months. This feeling of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib by the bed until they reach the age of six months old or are able to get up and at that point, you should switch to an old-fashioned cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child up to this age, but you must check the product guidelines.
When choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your current bed (most attach to standard bed frames, but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). Also, ensure that your chosen crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is breathable - this is vital to the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mum testers. It features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to the bed. It is light and easy to assemble. It also offers great value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects love it for its versatility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.
Space
A bedside crib is an attachment that attaches to the bed's side. This allows you to keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've been gaining popularity with moms seeking a way to bond with their newborn while staying safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Some let you keep the panel in place during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some models have an incline function for reflux too which many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for those babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings which allows you to place them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of the bed.
The lower sides provide privacy and are perfect for new parents worried about sharing their space with a baby. But, it's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your child in a crib by the bedside or the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.
You'll also have to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame before buying - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to get a suitable mattress for your new crib, which is typically sold separately to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to buy a separate crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that fits into the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Convenience
A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child from bed to feed them, cuddle them and soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to contact and talk to your child without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. There are cribs that keep the panel down throughout the day - this is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.
Some cribs have tilting features that may aid in colic or reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with caution and only by a person who knows the medical history of their child and needs.
bedside crib travel 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. Some cribs have waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them ideal for travel when you need to bring your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move throughout your home." It folds flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to ensure that you select the right crib for your baby and you. Remember that a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. So you'll need to put your baby in a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.