9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Bedside Crib Vs Cot

Bedside Crib Vs Cot (Theflatearth.Win)

A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep with you throughout the night. It is important to adhere to the official safe sleep guidelines of 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 makes it easy to move from room room.

Safety

Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families that co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice suggests parents use a separate sleeping surface for their infant and avoid sharing a bed to reduce the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.

When choosing a crib for your bed it is crucial to ensure that the crib meets European safety standards and adheres to Lullaby Trust codes to ensure safe sleep, so that your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. Bedside cribs that have adjustable height settings can be fitted to the bed frame of the parent which reduces the chance of gaps in which babies might be trapped. They also come with a sturdy, flat mattress that is ventilated and designed to help promote healthy sleeping habits.

The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be adjusted, so that you can comfortably see your baby throughout the night. This means that you can soothe them, feed them and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births, or those who are unable to move. Some models, like the SnuzPod4, come with an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux.

A lower panel can reduce the risks of your baby rolling off the edge of the crib, and many come with mesh sides to stop stray duvets or pillows from falling in. This is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS, as babies that roll off their back are at greater risk of suffocation.

It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as well, as these can also be suffocation hazards. To ensure your baby's safety, you should also ensure that the mattress of your crib is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at around 6 months) they will require a cot, or another sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you are concerned regarding this transition, talk to your GP or a health visitor.

Comfort

The best cribs for bedside use offer a safe, comfortable place for your baby's sleep. They are designed to sit close to your bed, so you can take care of your child without leaving your bed. This gives you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those early months. This feeling of security will help you establish positive routines at night and improve the overall quality of your baby's sleep.

It is recommended to keep your child in a crib near the bed until they reach 6 months or can stand up on their own. At that point, you should switch to an older cot. Bedside cribs can be used to accommodate your child up to this age, but you must be sure to read the instructions for the product.

When selecting a bedside crib be sure it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to a standard bed frame but you must always verify the exact dimensions). It is also important to ensure that your chosen crib has a firm, flat mattress which is breathable. This is essential for the health of your baby.

Our mum testers who are experts have been raving about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib It features a height-adjustable base that can be used as a stand-alone crib or affixed to your bed. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and offers excellent value for price. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, air-tight mattress and the reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside crib is an attachment that is attached to the side of the bed. This allows you to keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping. This is not recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity among mums who want to bond with their infant while also being safe.

They usually have a lowering panel, which allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, and others that allow you to put the panel down at night for the convenience of fuss-free feeding and monitoring. Some models also come with a reflux incline feature, which was appreciated by many of our test subjects to ease discomfort and aid in digestion for babies with reflux or wind.

Some cribs with a bedside also come with adjustable height settings permitting you to place them on the exact level as your mattress. This will eliminate any gaps that could allow the baby to climb out or slip. This is an important benefit for those recovering from C-sections, because it can be difficult to get into and out of bed while your body heals.

The lower sides also provide some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their infant. But, it's important to note that if you decide to sleep with your child in a bedside crib or the cot, it's still a good practice to adhere to the guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your own bed.

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

Some cribs that are bedside rocking crib can be converted into toddler beds, which can provide longevity for parents who do not want to purchase a separate cot for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is one such example, with a slim, sleek frame that can be easily tucked into the corner of your bedroom and gives plenty of space for your baby to sleep comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bedside crib bag.

Convenience

A bedside baby bed crib allows you to easily lift your child out of bed to feed, cuddle and then soothe them to sleep. Many cribs come with a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to talk and touch your baby without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections and want to keep their baby close.

Some cribs have tilt options that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It is important to remember that tilting the crib should be done with caution and only by a parent who is aware of their baby's medical history and needs.

Another aspect to think about is how easy it is to clean, and whether it's machine washable or you need to wash it by hand it manually. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, infant sickness, and drips. Some also have a handy storage bag, making them ideal for travelling if you need to take your baby with you.

Finally, it's worth considering the weight of the crib and whether it's easy to move from room to room. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and light enough to be able to move around your home. It folds flat and comes with a bag for trips to the grandparents.

We suggest that you look through our reviews and ratings to make sure you pick the best crib for you and your baby. And remember that although a crib might look lovely and sophisticated, it's important to remember that your newborn will quickly grow out of its small size. You'll need to get your baby in an cot before they grow out of the crib.