9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Bedside Crib Vs Cot
Bedside Crib Vs Cot
A bedside crib with changing table crib (also known as co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you throughout the night. It is essential to 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 simple to move around due its slim frame.
Safety
Many new moms desire the intimacy of their child while they sleep, and bedside cribs are a good option for families who are embracing co-sleeping. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to choose a separate bed for their child and to avoid sharing a mattress to minimize the chance of suffocation or overheating.
It is essential that when choosing the crib for your infant, you verify to ensure it is in compliance with European safety standards. Also, make sure that the crib is compliant with Lullaby trust codes for safe sleep to ensure that he is sleeping in a space where he is safe and secure. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be fitted to the parent's bed frame and reduce the risk of gaps in which babies could become trapped. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress designed to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Most bedside cribs have a panel that can be adjusted to allow you to comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means you can comfortably soothe them, feed them and monitor them without having to get out of bed, which can be especially helpful for new mums recovering from c-section births or those with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, offer an incline feature for reflux babies with digestive issues or reflux.
A lower panel can also reduce the chance of your baby falling over the edge of the bed. A lot 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.
It is advised to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as they could be suffocation hazards. To ensure that your baby is safe it is also important to ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. When your baby is able to stand or sit (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable for. If you have any concerns regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health care professional.
Comfort
The best bedside cribs offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest. Built to sit beside your bed, they will allow you to tend to your baby without needing to get out of bed. They also allow you to bond with your baby during those crucial early months. This sense of security will help establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the quality of sleep for your baby.
It is recommended to keep your baby in a crib at night until they reach six months old or able to get up, at which point you should move them to a traditional cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, bedside crib vs Cot 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 should also be compatible with your current bed (most attach to standard bed frames, but it is important to double-check the exact dimensions). You should also make sure that the crib has a firm flat mattress that is breathable. This is vital to the health of your baby.
Our mum testers who are experts have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to your bed. The crib is light and easy to assemble. It also offers excellent value for money. Silvercross Voyager is another of our top picks. Our testers love it for its versatility, comfortable mattresses and the reflux incline feature.
Space
A bedside crib is a sleep space that clips securely onto the side of your bed which allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without having to worry about the risk of co-sleeping (which is not recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS). They've been gaining popularity with mothers looking for a way to bond with their newborn while remaining safe.
Some come with a lowering screen which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touching of your baby. Some allow you to keep the panel closed in the night so that you can feed and monitor your child without fuss. Some models also come with a reflux incline feature, which was loved by many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies suffering from reflux or wind.
A lot of cribs for bedside have adjustable height settings as well that allow you to set them at the same level as your mattress, which means there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb or slip out. This is especially useful for those recovering after C-sections as it can be difficult to climb into and out of the bed.
The lowered sides offer some privacy and are great for parents who are worried about sharing their room with a baby. It's important to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your child in a crib or cot near your bed, it's important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and avoid sharing your bed with anyone else.
You'll also need to ensure that the bedside crib or cot crib is compatible with your bed frame before buying some that clip onto bedsteads while others are better suited to divan beds. Don't forget to purchase the right mattress for your crib. They are typically sold separately from the crib, and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.
Some bedside cribs also convert into toddler beds, which can add longevity for parents who do not want to purchase an additional crib for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, featuring a slim, sleek frame that easily fits into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of room for your baby to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it's simple to get your baby in and out of bed for cuddles, feeds, and calming back to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to be able to touch and talk with your baby without having to wake them completely or disturb their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel down all the time. This is great for parents recovering from C-sections and wish to keep their baby close.
Some cribs offer tilt options, which can help with colic and reflux. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should always be done with care and only by a parent who is aware of the medical history of their child and requirements.
Another aspect to consider is how easy it is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or you have to hand wash it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that protect against leaky diapers, infant sickness and dribbles. Some cribs come with bags for storage, making them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.
It's also worth considering the weight of the crib and is it easy to move from room 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 light enough for it to be easy to move around the house. It can be folded flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to visit the grandparents."
We recommend you read our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best bedside cot crib for you and your baby. Keep in mind that a crib can appear elegant and stylish but your child will soon outgrow it. Therefore, you'll need to put your baby in a cot bed before they start to get out of it.