9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Bedside Crib Vs Cot

Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. It's important that you 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. It's also easy to move around thanks its slim frame.

Safety

Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents make sure that they have a separate sleeping area for their infant and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risks of suffocation, overheating and rollovers.

It is essential that when selecting the crib you will use for your baby, you check to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib complies with Lullaby trust codes of safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in an environment where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be set to match to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps in which babies might be trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is airy and designed to encourage healthy sleeping habits.

The majority of cribs with a bedside cot 6 months plus panel that can be adjusted, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This lets you easily provide comfort, feed and monitor your baby without having to leave bed. This is especially beneficial for mothers who are recovering from c-section births or for those with mobility issues. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer a reflux incline function for babies with reflux or digestive issues.

A lower panel can also reduce the risk of your baby rolling over the edge of the bed. A lot of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is crucial for reducing the chance of SIDS as babies who have their backs rolled off are at greater risk of being suffocated.

It is advised to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib, as these can also be a hazard to suffocate. To ensure your baby's safety it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby can sit up or stand, typically at around 6 months they'll need to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any questions regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.

Comfort

The most suitable cribs for bedside use provide a safe and comfortable space to sleep your baby. Built to sit beside your bed, they allow you to take care of your infant without getting out of bed. They will also allow you to bond with your newborn during those crucial early months. This feeling of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and improve your baby's overall sleep quality.

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

When choosing a bedside cot make sure it is in compliance with EN 1130 safety standards. It must also be compatible with your existing bed (most clip onto standard bed frames, but you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is essential that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and ventilated. This is crucial for the health of your baby.

Our mom testers have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib, which features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight, easy to assemble and provides great value for price. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers love it for its flexibility, breathable mattresses, and the feature of incline reflux.

Space

A bedside 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 the danger 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 newborn while staying safe.

They usually have a lowering panel, which allows you to see and touch your baby, and others that allow you to keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of feeding your baby without fuss and monitoring. Some models also have an incline feature for reflux which was appreciated by many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.

Some cribs with adjustable height settings that allow you to set them at the same height 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 lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are worried about sharing a room with their infant. But, it's important to remember that if you decide to sleep with your baby in a crib that is near to bed or a the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed.

Before you purchase the crib, make sure whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs clip onto bedsteads, while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to get an appropriate mattress for your crib, that is typically sold in addition to the crib and must comply with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some bedside crib vs cot cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to invest in a separate crib for their child who is older. The SnuzPod4 is one such model, featuring 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 is also easy to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel bedside crib.

Convenience

A crib that is placed near the bed makes it easy to get your child out of bed to feed them, cuddle them and comfort them to sleep. A majority of cribs have an upper panel that slides down, so you can be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their child close.

Some cribs are equipped with tilt features that can aid in colic or reflux. It's important to remember that tilting the crib must be done with attention and only by a person who knows the medical history of their child and their needs.

Consider how easy it is to clean the crib and if you can machine wash it or if you'll have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs have an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling when you need to bring your baby along.

Also, you should consider the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep next to the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around your house. It can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel cot bedside for trips to the grandparents."

If you're considering purchasing a crib for your bed we suggest you check out our full reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to ensure you purchase the most suitable model for your baby and life style. Remember that while a crib may appear beautiful and sophisticated, it's important to keep in mind that your baby will soon outgrow its tiny size. You'll need to move your baby to a cot before they move out of the crib.