9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Bedside Crib Vs Cot

wooden bedside cot crib vs cot (Keep Reading)

A bedside crib (also known as co-sleeper) allows your baby to sleep close to you during the night. It is important to follow the 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. Additionally, its slim frame means it's easy to move from room to room.

Safety

Bedside cribs are an excellent option for families who co-sleep. However, NHS Safe Sleep advice recommends that parents should use a separate sleeping surface for their baby and avoid sharing a bed in order to reduce the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and rollovers.

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

The majority of cribs with a bedside feature a panel which can be raised to allow you to be able to monitor your baby's health during the night. This means you can provide them with food, comfort them and monitor them without needing to get out of bed, which can be especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from c-section births, or those with limited mobility. Certain models, like the SnuzPod4, have an incline feature for reflux babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues.

A panel that is lower will lower the risk of your child 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 prone to suffocate.

It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys away from the crib as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To ensure that your baby is safe, you should also ensure that the crib mattress is airy and regularly check for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby is able to sit up or stand (typically at about 6 months), they will need a cot or other sleeping arrangement that is suitable. If you have any questions about this transition, talk to your GP or a health professional.

Comfort

The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime provide a secure and comfortable space to sleep your baby. They are designed to be placed next to your bed so that you can take care of your baby without leaving your bed. This gives you the opportunity to bond with your baby in those early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive nighttime routine and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.

Your baby should be kept in a bedside rocking crib crib until they are 6 months old or can get up and then you can move to an old-fashioned crib. The bedside crib will usually be capable of accommodating your child until this age but it is important to check the specific guidelines for the product.

When you are choosing a bedside crib, make sure that it is in line with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however it is important to verify the exact dimensions). It is crucial that the mattress of your bedside crib is flat, firm and breathable. This is essential for your baby's health.

The Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib is a top pick among our mom testers. It has an adjustable height base and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to a bed. It is lightweight and easy to set up. It offers excellent value for price. Another one of our favorites is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love for its versatility, breathable mattress, and reflux incline feature.

Space

A bedside crib is an accessory that attaches to the side of the bed. This lets you keep your child close all night long without the danger of co-sleeping, which is not recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby Trust. They've been gaining popularity with moms seeking ways to bond with their baby while staying safe.

Some feature a lowering panel which you can use to ensure secure viewing and touch of your baby. Others allow you to keep the panel down during the night, allowing you to feed and monitor your child without hassle. Some have an incline function for reflux too that many of our test mums loved for helping digestion and alleviating discomfort for babies who are suffering from reflux or wind.

A lot of cribs for bedside crib to cot have adjustable height settings as well, enabling you to position them on the same level as your mattress, ensuring there's no gap between the two that could let your baby climb up or slide out. This is a huge benefit for those recovering from C-sections because it can be difficult to get in and out of bed while your body heals.

The lower sides also offer some privacy, which makes them ideal for parents who are concerned about sharing a space with their newborn. It is important to keep in mind that even if you decide 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.

You'll also have to make sure your bedside crib is compatible with your bed frame prior to purchasing - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others are more suitable for divan beds. Make sure you purchase the right mattress for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib and must meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.

Some bedside cot crib cribs can also be converted into toddler beds, which can increase longevity for parents who don't want to buy a separate cot bedside for their older child. The SnuzPod4 is a prime model, featuring an elegant, slim frame that fits neatly into the corner of your bedroom and offers plenty of space for your little one to rest comfortably. It's also simple to put together and comes with a handy travel bag.

Convenience

One of the best things about a crib for bed is that it's easy to lift your baby in and out of bed for feeds, cuddles and soothing to sleep. A lot of cribs come with an upper panel that slides down, allowing you to touch and talk to your child without having to wake them up to disturb their sleep. Some cribs have the side panel open all the time. This is ideal for parents recovering from C-sections who want to keep their baby close.

Some cribs have tilt options that can help with colic and reflux. It is important to note that the tilting of the crib should only be done by parents who are aware of their baby's medical requirements and the history.

Think about how easy it is to clean the crib and if you can machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs have waterproof covers that guard against leaky diapers, baby sickness, and drips. Some cribs have a storage bag that makes them perfect for traveling in case you need to take your baby along.

Finally, it's worth considering how heavy the crib is and if 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 to be able to move around your home. It folds flat, and comes with a bag to take on trips to the grandparents.

We recommend you read our reviews and ratings to ensure you pick the best crib for your baby. And remember that although a crib may appear beautiful and elegant, it's important to keep in mind that your baby will soon grow out of its small size. So you'll need to transfer your baby into a crib bed before they begin to grow out of it.