bedside crib vs cot (imoodle.win)

A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.

Safety

Many new mothers want the closeness of their infant while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a safe option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress, so as to reduce the chance of suffocation or overheating.

It is crucial to ensure that when you select a crib for your infant, you verify to make sure it meets European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in a place that is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to minimize the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is breathable and designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.

Most bedside crib and travel cot cribs have a panel that can be adjusted, so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This allows you to easily comfort, feed, and monitor your baby without having to get up. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c section births or those who have 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 child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels have mesh sides that prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS because babies who fall off their backs are more at risk of suffocation.

It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib, as these can also be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.

Comfort

The most suitable cribs for bedside use offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby's sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will allow you to take care of your infant without having to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This sense of security can help establish positive nighttime routines and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

Your child should be kept in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At this point, it is time to switch them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can accommodate your child until this age, but it is important to review the guidelines for the crib.

When selecting a bedside crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your bed (most clip onto standard bed frames but you should always double check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside travel crib crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is crucial for the health of your baby.

Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and simple to assemble. It also offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our test subjects appreciate its flexibility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.

Space

A bedside cots for newborns crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the sides of your bed which 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 been gaining popularity with mums looking for ways to bond with their baby while staying safe.

They usually have an incline panel that you can use to safely see and touch your baby, as well as some that let you keep the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some have a reflux incline function too which most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.

Some cribs with adjustable height settings too that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two that could allow baby to climb or slip out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections as it can be hard to get into and out of bed while your body heals.

The lower sides provide privacy and are great for new parents worried about sharing their space with a baby. It's important to remember that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot near your bed, it's still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.

You'll also have to ensure that the bedside crib is compatible with your existing bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are better suited to divan beds. Also, don't forget that you'll require an appropriate mattress for your new crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib itself and should be in line with the most recent BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who don't want to invest in an additional cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that fits into the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

Convenience

One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's simple to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, so you can contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them up completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel lowered all the time which is ideal for parents who might be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.

Some cribs offer tilt options that can help with reflux and colic. It is important to keep in mind that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who know their baby's medical needs and their history.

Another thing to consider is how easy it is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to wash it by hand it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby with you.

Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be able to move around the house. It also folds flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to the grandparents."

We recommend that you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the right model for your baby. Remember that a crib may appear elegant and stylish, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.