13 Things About Bedside Crib Vs Cot You May Not Have Considered

Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during 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. Plus, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room 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, to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.

It is essential that when selecting the crib for your infant, you verify to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in an environment where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to decrease the chance of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs come with a firm, flat mattress designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.

Most bedside cribs feature a panel which can be lowered to let you be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This means you can easily provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Some models, such as the SnuzPod4, offer the option of inclining reflux for babies with digestive issues or reflux.

A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that stop pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risk of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are at greater risk of dying from suffocation.

Keep soft toys and dummies away from the area as they could pose risky for suffocation. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are vital to keep your baby secure. When your baby is able to sit or stand, usually at around 6 months, they will need to move into a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns about this transition, speak to your GP or a health care professional.

Comfort

The best cribs for bedside offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. They are designed to rest beside your bed so you can care for your child without having to leave your bed. This gives you the chance to bond with your baby in the beginning months.  bedside crib with wheels  of security will help establish a positive routine for your night and enhance your baby's overall sleep quality.

It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months old or are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should switch them to an older cot. The bedside crib is likely to be suitable for your child until this age but it is important to check the specific product guidelines.

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

Our mom testers have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. It is lightweight and easy to set up. It provides great value for money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside crib is an accessory that clips onto the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to spend time with their baby while also being safe.

They typically feature a lowering panel, which you can use to safely see and touch your baby, and some that let you keep the panel down at night for the ease of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some models have an incline function for reflux too, which many of our test moms appreciated for aiding digestion and reducing discomfort for those infants who are suffering from reflux or wind.

A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them on the same level as your mattress, so there's no gap between the two which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is especially useful for those who are recovering from C-sections, as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of the bed.

The lower sides also provide some privacy, making them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their infant. However, it's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib by the bedside or crib, it is still a good practice to adhere to the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your bed.

You'll also have to ensure that 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. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.

Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who don't want to invest in an additional cot for their older child. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers ample space for your child to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a handy bag for traveling.

Convenience

A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to lift your child from the bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them to sleep. Many cribs have an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel lowered constantly - this is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and wish to keep their newborn 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 their baby's medical needs and their history.

Consider how easy it is to clean the crib, and whether you can machine wash it or need to wash it by hand. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them perfect for travel if you have to take your baby with you.

It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be, and if it's easy 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 easy to move around your house. It also 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 top ones on the market, to ensure you purchase the best model for your child and your life style. Be aware that even though a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your newborn will quickly outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to move your baby in a cot before they grow out of the crib.