Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper lets your baby sleep close to you at night. It is important to follow official safe sleeping guidance 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. Its slim frame means it's easy to move from room room.

Safety

bedside co sleeper 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 baby and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.

When selecting a bedside crib it is essential to check that the product conforms to European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes for secure sleep to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent to decrease the chance of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs have an even, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.

Most bedside crib or cot cribs have a panel that can be lowered so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means you can comfortably provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without getting out of bed, which is particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, also have an incline feature for reflux babies with reflux or digestive issues.

A lowered crib can reduce the risk of your child slipping off the crib's edge Some come with mesh sides to stop any pillows or duvets that are stray from falling into. This is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS, as babies that fall off their backs are at greater risk of dying from suffocation.

It is recommended to keep any soft or dummy toys from the crib as well because they can be a hazard to suffocate. A mattress that is breathable for the crib and regular checks for gaps or loose bedding are also vital to keep your baby safe. Once your baby can sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months) they will require a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.

Comfort

The best bedside cribs offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they let you take care of your baby without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your newborn during the first few months of their life. This sense of security will help you establish a positive n incline function for reflux too, which many of our test mums liked for helping digestion and reducing discomfort for those babies who suffer from wind or reflux.

Some cribs with a bedside also have adjustable height settings, permitting you to place them at the exact same level as your mattress. This eliminates any gaps that could allow the baby to slide out or climb. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of the bed.

The lowered sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for new parents who are concerned about sharing a room with their infant. However, it's important to note that if you choose to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good practice to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and not share your own bed.

Before you purchase the crib, make sure that your bedside crib will fit on your bed frame. Some cribs can be clipped onto bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib and should conform to the latest BS EN1130 safety standards.

Bedside cribs can be transformed into toddler beds. This is a great option for parents who do not want to purchase an additional cot. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and provides ample 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 best things about a crib that is placed near the bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed during nighttime feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. Many cribs come with an attached side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to speak to your baby and hold him without waking them up. Some cribs keep the panel in place constantly - this is great for new parents who may be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.

Some cribs come with tilt options, which can help with reflux and colic. It's important to note that tilting the crib should always be done with care and only by a person who knows the medical history of their child and needs.

Another aspect to think about is how easy the crib is to clean, and if it can be washed by machine or you have to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies and baby sick and drips. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them ideal for travel if you have to take your baby along.

It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be and whether it is easy to move from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around your house. It can be folded flat and comes with a bag for travel for trips to visit the grandparents."

We suggest that you go through our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby and you. Be aware that a crib might appear beautiful and elegant, but your baby will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to move your baby into a crib bed before they begin to get out of it.