bedside crib vs cot (click the next webpage)

A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. But, it's crucial 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. Plus, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.

Safety

Bedside cribs are a great alternative for families who co-sleep. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant and to avoid sharing a mattress so as to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.

When selecting a bedside crib it is crucial to check that the product conforms to European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs come with a flat, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.

Most cribs for bed have the option of a panel that can be raised to allow you to securely monitor your baby at night. This lets you easily soothe, feed, and monitor your child without leaving the bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who have just recovered from csection births or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, also have the ability to tilt your reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.

A lowered panel will also reduce the chance of your child falling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are at greater risk of dying from suffocation.

It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib as well as they could be suffocation hazards. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at the age of 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you are concerned regarding this transition, Bedside Crib Vs Cot talk to your GP or a health professional.

Comfort

The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a secure, comfortable place for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they let you take care of your baby without needing to get out of bed. They also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive bedtime routine and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.

It is recommended to keep your child in a crib beside the bed until they reach the age of 6 months old or are able to stand by themselves. At that point, you should switch them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be suitable for your child until they reach this age, but it is essential to read the product guidelines.

When you are choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must be able to work with your existing bed (most are attached to traditional bed frames, however you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your crib is firm, flat and breathable. This is crucial for the health of your baby.

The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mom testers. It has an adjustable height base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or connected to a bed. It is light and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers are awestruck by its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.

Space

A bedside crib travel cot crib is a sleeping space that is secured to the side of your bed and allows you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've seen a rise in popularity recently with moms seeking a way to bond with their infant while remaining safe.

Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel down during the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child with no anxiety. Some come with the ability to tilt your baby's stomach which most of our test mothers liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those children suffering from reflux or wind.

Some cribs with adjustable height settings which allows you to place them at the same height as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb or slip out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed as your body heals.

The lower sides offer privacy and are ideal for parents who are worried about sharing their space with a baby. It is crucial to remember that even if you decide to sleep with your child in a crib or cot by your bed, it is recommended to follow official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.

Before buying it, you'll need to ensure whether the crib you want to buy will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to buy a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.

Some rocking bedside crib cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who don't want to invest in an additional cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your little one to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a convenient travel bedside crib bag.

Convenience

A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child from bed to feed, cuddle and comfort them to sleep. Many cribs come with an attached side panel that can be lowered so that you can communicate with your baby without disturbing them. There are some that keep the panel in place throughout the day - this is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their baby close.

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

Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and if you are able to machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them ideal for taking on trips when you need to bring your baby along.

It is also important to think about the weight of the crib be, and if it's simple to move it from one room to another. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and light enough for it to be easy to move around the house. It also can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."

We recommend you read our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby. Remember that while a crib might look lovely and stylish, it's crucial to keep in mind that your baby's going to outgrow its small size. You'll need to get your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.