Why Mums Love a Bedside Crib
Bedside cribs are bassinet-style cot that fixes securely to the side of your bed. Parents love the fact that it can pivot to allow easy access to their baby to feed them at night and soothe.
Some, such as the SnuzPod, also let you tilt your baby to help with colic or reflux. However, remember to make use of this feature with care and only at a very slight angle.
Safety
When selecting the best crib, there are a lot of things to consider. Size, price, and safety are all crucial elements but the most important thing is that your child is safe to sleep in it.
Bedside cribs let parents keep their baby close during the night, which promotes bonding and provides a soothing nighttime routine. It also allows parents to respond quickly to their baby's needs without having to leave the safety of their own bed. Keeping babies close to their parents also helps reduce the risk of SIDS.
A safe bedside crib must have a variety of safety features. They include a firm mattress that fits tightly against the crib's sides and there are no gaps through which your child could get trapped. Another important feature is a sturdy mesh that is resistant to chewing, and is free of holes or tears. Follow the weight limit guidelines provided by the manufacturer to avoid your baby becoming trapped or injured.
It is essential to ensure that your bedside baby crib is safe and meets all safety standards. You must also register your crib so that you will be aware of any recalls. Also, you should check the crib on a regular basis for signs of suffocation or dangers of entrapment. These include gaps between the frame and mattress and toys, plush bedding that can suffocate, and broken or loose hardware.
NHS Safe Sleeping Advice recommends that your newborn should be kept in a separate room such as a crib or bassinet inside your bedroom for the first six months to avoid the danger of suffocation and heat exhaustion due to sharing a bed. While co-sleeping has many benefits, such as easier breastfeeding and bonding, it also increases the risk of overheating, injury from rolling on the baby and the greater chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedside cribs are the safety of a crib, allowing your child to be easily accessible but still in their own private sleeping space. They allow parents to keep an eye on the infant at all times. They also make ideal for families that want to embrace cosleeping but without the dangers.
Ease of use
Bedside cribs are also known as co-sleepers or bedside bassinets. They offer a convenient and secure way for your baby to sleep next to you at the end of the night. They are situated close to your mattress and have one side that easily lowers for those bleary-eyed 3am feedings. They are ideal for infants, newborns and those who have had c-sections. They can be close to the mother in order to feed them and soothe them throughout the night.
Many mothers appreciate the convenience of being in a position to reach their children without getting out of bed. They make it easier to comfort or soothe your baby in the night if they wake up. Combined with the fact that they can be folded away when not in use, it means you'll have plenty of flexibility with your baby's sleeping space.
It's difficult to resist the urge to always be at your baby's bedside as an expectant parent. However the Lullaby Trust recommends that babies should have their own bed or at a minimum, have separate sleeping surfaces to avoid the danger of suffocation or overheating. A crib that is positioned near the bed for infants is an ideal solution and there are a variety of styles to choose from.
Look for bedside cribs that can be folded flat and neatly tucked away during the day or when they are not in use. Find a crib that comes with a mattress designed to fit it. Second-hand mattresses can increase the chances of developing SIDS.
Idealy you should be in a position to raise and lower the crib's side from the bed of your parents with a single button press. Cots For Tots makes feeding your baby at 3am much more manageable and less stressful. Choose a crib that features 360-degree swivels. They can be very helpful when trying to get your baby out and in of their crib at the night.
Practicality
A bedside crib is basically an infant cot that is a bassinet that is attached to the side of your mattress. It has a long edge that can be lowered so that your baby can be close enough to feed and comfort in the middle of the night. It also makes it easier for exhausted parents to care for their infants without leaving the comfortable bed they've made for themselves which is a crucial factor for mothers recovering from c-sections.
It is still recommended to avoid co-sleeping, but the convenience of a crib right at your bedside can make mothers sleep better knowing that their baby is close enough to soothe and feed. It also allows them to get out of bed quickly and effortlessly and is a huge benefit for busy mothers.
Unlike a moses basket, which is usually only suitable for infants the modern bedside cribs can be used for up to six months or more. They are often compact and fold flat, making them great for small bedrooms or apartments. Some also have additional functions like tilting or rocking, which can be useful for babies with reflux or colic.
It's a good idea determine the dimensions of your bed prior to purchasing a crib, because some are designed to fit in the same space as the adult mattress and need an appropriate amount of clearance to ensure safety. It is also worth looking for a crib that will be compatible to your existing bed frame. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue, for example, can be adjusted to fit various bed frames. You can also buy a kit to adapt an existing crib to work with divan beds.
Many bedside cribs have built-in storage which is ideal for storing cuddlies and gadgets. Some even include a convenient bag to take the crib with you on vacation or to grandparent's homes. Swivel action is another handy feature. It lets you move your baby to an improved position at night, if needed. This feature is crucial for reducing the risk of your baby suffocating if they roll onto their stomach or back when asleep.
Comfort
If you are breastfeeding, a crib at your bedside can make night-time feeds easier by letting you feed your baby without getting out of the bed. This is particularly helpful if you have had a C-section. Bedside cribs are also great for newborns who can't yet sit up on their own, because you can rock them gently back to sleep.
A lot of cribs in this range come with a handy shelf underneath them that can be used to store baby accessories like blankets and cuddlies. If you're looking for more storage space, we also provide a crib for bedside use with a handy organiser that can be removed that can be attached to the side of your SnuzPod and holds everything mentioned above and more.
Some cribs feature a side panel that can be removed and allows you to see and touch your baby at night, while still providing a safe co-sleeping experience. You can offer your baby the love and affection they require throughout the first six months of their lives without the dangers that come with co-sleeping and bed-sharing. You can use the panel to pull your baby out during the night, or keep it lowered for the entire time, making it easier to cuddle and soothe them throughout the night.
Bassinets, cribs, and other similar items are designed with safety straps that secure them to the bed and a sturdy mattress to fit snugly. This reduces the risk of being suffocated. You should always avoid using pillows, duvets or any soft bedding in the crib because this can pose a risk of being entangled. Swaddles or sleeping bag to help your child sleep comfortably. Make sure the bag is in compliance with safety standards and has the right tog for the room temperature and the season.
Some cribs have tilting features that could be helpful if your child has problems with digestion or reflux. This feature is only suitable when your child is old enough to roll in their crib without being at risk of injury or the risk of suffocation.