bedside crib vs cot [i thought about this]

A bedside cot used crib (also called co-sleeper) allows your baby to rest close to you during the night. However, it's 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. NHS Safe Sleep advises parents to select a separate area for their child and avoid sharing a mattress in order to reduce the risk of suffocation as well as overheating.

When selecting a bedside crib it is essential to make sure that the crib meets European safety standards and conforms to Lullaby Trust codes for safe sleep, so that your child is sleeping in a secure and safe environment. Bedside cribs with adjustable height settings can be matched to the bed frame of the parent to reduce the risk of infants getting trapped in gaps. The cribs have a flat, firm mattress that is designed to promote healthy sleep habits.

The majority of cribs with a bedside panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby in the night. This means that you can comfort them, feed and monitor them without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial for new mums recovering from c-section births or those who have limited mobility. Certain models, such as the SnuzPod4, even offer the ability to tilt your reflux for babies with reflux or digestive issues.

A lowered panel will also lower the risk of your child falling over the edge of the bed. Many of these panels come with mesh sides that stop duvets and pillows from falling into the crib. This is essential for reducing the chance of SIDS as babies who roll off their back are more susceptible to dying from suffocation.

It is recommended to keep any dummy or soft toys from the crib as they could be a danger to your child's health if they are suffocated. To keep your baby safe it is also important to ensure that the mattress of your crib is breathable and you check it regularly for any gaps or loose sheets. Once your baby can sit up or stand, usually at around 6 months they will have to transition to a cot or another suitable sleeping arrangement. If you have any concerns about this transition, speak to your GP or a health care professional.

Comfort

The most ideal cribs for use at bedtime offer a safe and comfortable space for your baby bedside sleeper to sleep. They are designed to be placed next to your bed, they will let you take care of your infant without needing to get out of bed and will also give you the opportunity to bond with your infant in those precious early months. This sense of security will help you establish a positive routine for your night and improve the overall quality of sleep your baby gets.

It is recommended to keep your baby in a bedside crib until they reach the age of six months old or are able to get up and then you can move to a traditional crib. Bedside cribs are able to accommodate your child to this age, but you must check the product guidelines.

When selecting a bedside crib be sure it complies with EN 1130 safety standards and is compatible with your bed (most will attach to the standard bed frame, however you must always verify the exact dimensions). Also, make sure that the crib has a sturdy, flat mattress which is breathable - this is essential for the health of your baby.

Our mom testers have been talking about the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib that is height-adjustable and can be used as a standalone crib or affixed to your bed. This crib is lightweight and simple to assemble. It also offers excellent value for the money. One of our top picks is the Silvercross Voyager, which our testers love because of its versatility, breathable mattress and the reflux incline function.

Space

A bedside cots crib is a device that is attached to the bed's side. This allows you to keep your child close all night long without the risk of co-sleeping, which isn't recommended by the NHS or The Lullaby Trust. Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity with mothers who want to spend time with their baby while also being safe.

They usually come with an incline panel that allows you to be able to touch and observe your baby, and some that let you keep the panel down at night to allow for the convenience of feeding and monitoring your baby in a relaxed manner. Certain models also have a reflux incline feature, 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.

Many bedside cribs have adjustable height settings, enabling you to position them at the same height as your mattress, so there's no gap which could allow your baby to climb up or slide out. This is a big benefit for those recovering from C-sections, since it can be a challenge to get into and out of bed as your body heals.

The lower sides offer privacy and are perfect for parents who are worried about sharing their bedroom with a newborn. It is crucial to remember that even if you choose to sleep with your baby in a crib or cot by your bed, it is important to follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping and not share your bed with anyone else.

It is also important to ensure that your bedside crib is compatible with your own bed frame before buying - some bedsteads clip onto bed frames while others work better with divan beds. Don't forget to purchase a mattress that is suitable for your crib. These are usually sold separately from the crib, and must be in line with the most recent BS EN1130:2019 safety standards.

Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into toddler beds, which can add to the life of parents who don't want to invest in a separate crib for their child who is older. SnuzPod4 is a sleek frame that can be tucked away in the corner of any room and offers plenty of space for your child to rest comfortably. It's also easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Convenience

A bedside crib makes it easy to lift your child from bed to feed, cuddle and soothe them back to sleep. Many cribs have a side panel that can be lowered so that you can speak to your baby and hold him without disturbing them. Some cribs keep the panel in place all the time which is ideal for parents who are about to be recovering from a C-section and want to keep their newborn close.

Some cribs come with tilting features that may help with reflux or colic. It is important to keep in mind that tilting the crib should only be performed by parents who know their baby's medical requirements and the history.

Take note of how easy it is to clean your crib and if you are able to machine wash it or if you will have to hand-wash it. Some cribs come with waterproof covers to protect against leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. Some cribs come with an organizer bag, which makes them perfect for traveling if you have to take your baby along.

It's also important to take into consideration how heavy the crib will be and if it's simple to move it from one room to the next. Our 2021 Mother & Baby awards mum tester Jasmine said that the Red Kite Cozysleep beside crib as "just the right size and lightweight enough to be easy to move around your home. It also folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag for trips to the grandparents."

If you're thinking of buying a crib that is bedside We suggest you read our complete reviews and ratings of the top cribs available, to make sure you get the most suitable model for your baby and your life style. And remember that although the crib may look beautiful and elegant, it's important to remember that your baby will soon outgrow its small size. You'll have to get your baby in a cot for bedside before they move out of the crib.