10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Bedside Crib Vs Cot

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

Safety

Many new moms are looking for the comfort of their child while they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great option for families embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents have a separate bed for their child and avoid sharing a bed in order to minimize the risk of overheating, suffocation and rollovers.

It is crucial that when selecting a crib for your infant, you verify to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib adheres to Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a place where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be matched with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.

The majority of cribs with a bedside cot 6 months plus panel that can be adjusted, so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means that you can easily provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which is especially beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births or those who are unable to move. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.

A panel that is lower will reduce the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent pillows and duvets from falling into the crib. This is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to drown.

It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys out of the crib, as these can also be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby safe. Once your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at about 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, it is worth speaking to your GP or health professional.

Comfort

The best cribs for bedside offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. They are designed to rest beside your bed so you can take care of your child without having to leave your bed. This will give you the opportunity to connect with your baby during the beginning months. This feeling of security can help establish positive routines for your night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

It is recommended to keep your child in a crib next to the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand by themselves. At the age of 6 months, you can switch them to an older cot. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child up to this age, but you must review the guidelines for the crib.

When selecting a bedside cot 6 months plus crib be sure it adheres to EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to a standard bed frame but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to make sure that the bedside crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.

Our mom testers have been glowing about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which has a height-adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. It is light and easy to put together. It also offers great value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.

Space

A bedside crib is a sleeping space that can be secured to the side of your own bed, allowing you to keep your baby close throughout 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 mums looking for a way to bond with their infant while also being secure.

They usually come with the lowering panel, which allows you to see and touch your baby, as well as some that let you keep the panel down at night for the ease of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models have the ability to tilt your baby's stomach that many of our test mums appreciated for aiding digestion and alleviating discomfort for those children who are suffering from reflux or wind.

A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap that could allow baby to climb up or slide out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections, as it can be hard to get in and out of bed as your body heals.

The lower sides provide privacy and are ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing their room with a newborn. It is important to keep in mind that even if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib or cot by your bed, it's recommended to follow guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.

Before you purchase the crib, make sure whether your crib for bedside will fit your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.

Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase the longevity of parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can fit into the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Convenience

One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby into and out of bed for nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered down, allowing you to touch and talk to your little one without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. There are some that keep the panel down constantly which is ideal for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.

Some cribs have tilting features that may help with reflux or colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of their baby's medical needs and history.

Another thing to think about is how easy it is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or will you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them ideal for taking on trips if you have to take your baby along.

It's also important to consider how heavy the crib will be and whether it is easy to move it from one room to the next. Jasmine the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be easily moved throughout your home." It also can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."

If you're thinking about buying a crib that is bedside we suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the best cribs available, to ensure you purchase the best bedside cots model for your baby and your lifestyle. Keep in mind that a crib can appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll have to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to outgrow it.