The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Bedside Crib Vs Cot

Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you during the night. It's important that you 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 baby whilst they sleep, and cribs that are placed near the bed can be a great alternative for families who want to co-sleep. 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.

When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it is important to make sure that the crib is compliant with European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure secure sleep to ensure your child is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the parent's bed frame to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with an even, firm mattress that is designed to encourage healthy sleep habits.

The majority of cribs with a bedside cot bed panel that can be lowered to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. This means that you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have the ability to tilt your reflux for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.

A lower panel can reduce the risks of your child falling off the crib's edge, and many come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling in. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.

It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys away from the crib as well, as these can also be suffocation hazards. A breathable crib mattress and regular checks for any gaps or loose bedding are vital to keep your baby secure. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months), they will need an cot for bedside, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it's worth speaking to your GP or health care professional.

Comfort

The best bedside cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to take care of your infant without getting out of bed and will also allow you to bond with your baby in those precious early months. This feeling of safety will help you establish positive nighttime routines and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach the age of 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should change them to a traditional cot. The bedside crib is likely to be capable of accommodating your child until they reach this age but it is important to check the specific specifications of the product.

When choosing a bedside cot, ensure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your bed (most clip onto standard bed frames, but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). Also, ensure that your chosen crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital for baby's health.

The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mum testers. It features a height adjustable base and can be used as a stand-alone crib, or connected to a bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also offers great value for the money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by for its versatility, air-tight mattress, and reflux incline feature.

Space

A bedside crib is a sleep space that is secured to the sides of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without any risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their child while remaining safe.

They usually have an incline panel that allows you to see and touch your baby, and some that let you put the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux, which was appreciated by many of our testers to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.

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

The lower sides offer privacy and are perfect for new parents worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. It is important to keep in mind that if you do decide to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot near your bed, it is recommended to follow guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed.

Before purchasing it, you'll need to ensure that your bedside crib will fit your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. Make sure you purchase an appropriate mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.

Some bedside cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can add the longevity of parents who don't want to buy a separate crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, sporting an elegant, slim frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.

Convenience

One of the best things about a crib for bed is that it's easy to get your baby in and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. Many cribs have an attached side panel that can be set to a lower level to allow you to speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. Some cribs keep the side panel down all the time. This is perfect for parents who have had C-sections who wish to keep their baby close.

Some cribs are equipped with a tilt feature that can aid in colic or reflux. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who are aware of the medical needs of their child and history.

Another aspect to consider 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 dribbles. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby with you.

Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and if it's easy to move from room to room. Jasmine, our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside the crib as "just right size and light enough to be able to move around the house." It folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit grandparents.

We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure that you select the right crib for you and your baby bedside sleeper. Be aware that a crib might appear elegant and stylish but your baby will soon outgrow it. You'll need to move your baby in a cot before they move out of the crib.