We've Had Enough! 15 Things About Bedside Crib Vs Cot We're Sick Of Hearing

Bedside Crib Vs Cot

A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper) lets your baby rest close to you during the night. It's important that you adhere to 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 due to its slim frame.

Safety

Many new moms want the closeness of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs can be a great option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their infant and avoid sharing a mattress, to minimize the risk of suffocation and overheating.

It is important that when selecting a crib for your child, you examine it to ensure that it complies with European safety standards. Also, make sure the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure he is sleeping in an environment where he is secure and safe. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent, reducing the risk of gaps that infants could become trapped. They also come with a firm flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.

Most cribs for bed have an adjustable panel that can be adjusted to let you securely monitor your baby at night. This allows you to provide comfort, feed and supervise your baby without leaving the bed. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from csection births or with limited mobility. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies who have reflux or digestive issues.

A lowered crib can reduce the risks of your child falling off the crib's edge Many come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the risks of SIDS. Babies who roll off their backs are more likely to suffocate.

Be sure to keep soft toys and dummies away from your child as they could pose risky for suffocation. A crib mattress that is breathable and regular inspections for gaps or loose bedding are essential to ensure your baby is safe. Once your baby is able to sit or stand, generally around 6 months old they will have to transition to an cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you're worried about this transition, it's worthwhile to talk to your GP or health care professional.

Comfort

The most suitable cribs for bedside use offer a safe and comfortable environment for your baby's sleep. They are designed to rest beside your bed so you can look after your baby without having to leave your bed. This will give you the chance to bond with your baby in those early months. This sense of security will help you establish positive routines for your night and enhance the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

best bedside cot  should be kept in a bedside crib until they reach 6 months old or can get up, at which point you can move to an old-fashioned cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but you must review the guidelines for the crib.

When you are choosing a bedside crib ensure that it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will clip onto a standard bed frame but it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is important that the mattress of your crib is flat, firm and airy. This is essential for the health of your baby.

The Chicco Next2me side sleeper is a popular choice among our mum testers. It features a height adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to the bed. The crib is light, easy to assemble and provides excellent value for money. Another of our favourites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress and reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside crib is a sleeping space that is secured to the side of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close during the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS). Recent years have seen a rise in their popularity with mothers who want to bond with their infant while also being safe.

Some have a lowering panel that allows safe viewing and touching of your baby. Some let you keep the panel down in the night and allow you to feed and monitor your child without anxiety. Some have a reflux incline function too which most of our test mothers loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for those babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.

Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings allowing you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps which could cause the baby to climb out or slip. This is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from C-sections as it can be difficult to get in and out of bed.

The lower sides also offer some privacy, making them perfect for new parents who are worried about sharing a room with their newborn. However, it's important to remember that if you opt to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or crib, it is still a good practice to follow the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.

Before purchasing the crib, make sure whether the crib you want to buy is compatible with your bed frame. Some cribs attach to bedsteads, while others are more suitable for divan beds. And don't forget you'll need a mattress that is suitable for your crib, which is usually sold separately to the crib and must meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements.

Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who don't want to buy a separate crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 frame is sleek that can fit into the corner of any bedroom and provides plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together, and comes with a handy bag for travel.

Convenience

One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's simple to lift your baby into and out of bed during nighttime cuddles, feeds, and calming to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that drops down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them up completely or disrupt their sleep. Some cribs keep the panel down throughout the day - this is great for parents who are about to be recovering from a C section and want to keep their newborn close.

Some cribs offer a tilt option, which can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's important to note that tilting the crib should always be done with attention and only by a person who knows their baby's medical history and their needs.

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. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness and dribbles. Some cribs also come with a storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to bring your baby along with you.

It is also important to think about how heavy the crib will be, and if it's easy to move it from one room to the next. Jasmine who was our 2021 Mother & Baby Awards mum tester, described the red Kite Cozysleep alongside crib as "just right size and light enough to easily move throughout your home." It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to visit grandparents.

We recommend you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you choose the right model for your baby and you. Be aware that even though a crib might look lovely and stylish, it's crucial to remember that your newborn will quickly outgrow its small size. You'll need to move your baby into a cot before they grow out of the crib.