Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Bedside Crib Vs Cot
Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper, lets your baby sleep 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. Plus, its slim frame makes it easy to move from room to room.
Safety
Many new mothers desire the intimacy of their baby whilst they sleep, and bedside crib vs cot cribs can be a great option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should have a separate bed for their baby and avoid sharing a bed to minimize the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is essential to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that are adjustable in height settings can be combined with the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of babies becoming trapped in gaps. The cribs are equipped with a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be lowered to allow you to safely see your baby during the night. This means that you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without getting out of bed. This can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer a reflux incline function for babies who have reflux or digestive issues.
A lower panel can also reduce the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides to prevent duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll on their backs are more likely to suffocate.
Keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose suffocation risks. To ensure that your baby is safe it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and check regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can stand or sit (typically at around 6 months) they will require an cot, or a different sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you're worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health visitor.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an ensconced and safe space for your baby to sleep. Designed to sit next to your bed, they will let you take care of your infant without getting out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant during the first few months of their life. This feeling of safety can help establish positive nighttime routines and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.
Your child should be kept in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or they are able to stand on their own. At that point, you should switch to a traditional cot. The bedside crib will usually be suitable for your child until this age but it is crucial to review the specific guidelines for the product.
When selecting a bedside baby bed crib be sure that it meets EN 1130 safety standards. It should be able to work with your bed (most attach to standard bed frames, but you must double-check the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and airy. This is crucial for the health of your baby.
The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a top pick among our mom testers. It features an adjustable height base that can be used as a stand-alone crib, or attached to the bed. This crib is lightweight and easy to put together. It also offers excellent value for the money. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers are awed by because of its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.
Space
A bedside crib is an accessory that is attached to the side of the bed. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their baby while remaining safe.
They usually come with the lowering panel, which you can use to safely feel and see your baby, as well as some that allow you to keep the panel closed at night to allow for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also come with an incline feature for reflux which was a favorite among many of our test subjects for its ability to reduce discomfort and assist digestion for babies with reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside cot newborn use have adjustable height settings, which allows you to put them at the exact same level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps which could cause the baby to climb out or slip. This is especially beneficial for those recovering after C-sections since it can be difficult for them to climb into and out of bed.
The lower sides provide privacy and are ideal for parents who are worried about sharing their room with a newborn. It is important to keep in mind that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib, or cot by your bed, it's still best to follow the official guidelines for safe sleep and avoid sharing your bed.
Before you purchase, you'll need to check whether the crib you want to buy will fit your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, whereas others are better suited for divan beds. Don't forget to buy a mattress that is suitable 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. This is a great solution for parents who do not need to buy a separate crib. SnuzPod4 has a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for nighttime cuddles, feedings and getting back to sleep. A majority of cribs have a side panel that drops down, so you can contact and talk to your baby without having to wake them to disturb their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel down constantly which is ideal for new parents who may be recovering from a C section and want to keep their baby close.
Some cribs come with a tilt feature that can help with reflux or colic. It's important to note that tilting the crib must be done with care and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and requirements.
Take note of how easy it is to clean your crib and whether you can machine wash it or need to wash it manually. Some cribs come with waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and drips. And some have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travel if you have to bring your baby along with you.
Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine has described the Red Kite Cozysleep on the side of the crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough for it to be easy to move around your house. It also can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag for trips to grandparents."
If you're thinking about buying a bedside crib or cot crib We suggest that you go through our comprehensive reviews and ratings of the top ones on the market, to ensure that you buy the ideal crib for your baby and life style. Be aware that a crib might look beautiful and sophisticated but your child will quickly outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to transfer your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.