A bedside crib is a practical option for many families. It allows you to place your infant in the nursery while still close enough to breast feed and nurse if necessary. A bedside crib latches onto the wooden frame of your bed just on one side, leaving you, your infant, and even your partner reclining comfortably next to each other. In this way, you and your baby are both able to maximise the benefits that proximity provides, whilst minimizing the risks involved in actual bed sharing. If you're thinking about purchasing this type of crib, it's important to be aware of its limitations. Here are some things you should consider before making a purchase.
First, you need to consider how much room you have in your bedroom, and how much space you're going to be able to allocate to a crib/crib bed. Obviously, the more room you have, the more you can choose between styles and configurations. However, keep in mind that you won't necessarily be able to fit two beds side-by-side. You will also need to consider the height of your mattress as well. The majority of bedside cribs are limited in height due to the fact that they're typically placed against the side of the cot. The taller your child is, the higher the bedside crib must be.
When considering a bedside crib, safety and comfort should be your top priorities. As long as you take these factors into consideration, you should be able to find a style and a model that both meets your needs and is also safe and supportive. One important feature to look for is a co-sleeper. With a co-sleeper, the child is placed in a separate bed, which alleviates the risk of suffocation. A co-sleeper is also a great option for infants who may not be tall enough for a standard bed.
Side-by-side cribs are another option for a bedside crib. Side-by-side models allow both children to sleep on a single bed, with the older child being able to use the footboard as a sleeping area. This is an excellent choice if you're looking for maximum bedside convenience. Unfortunately, side-by-side units are limited in height, unlike the co-sleeper.
As far as safety goes, both mattresses are safe. However, the inclined position of the crib means the crib will slightly rise above the floor. Because of this, most manufacturers recommend that a mattress of at least 22" be used in a travel bag. This ensures that the mattress doesn't catch on anything when put away, or that the travel bag doesn't get shoved away during travel.
As far as price goes, they are usually about the same. The most important aspect is the amount of room available under the bed. If you have a lot of space, then you can probably get away with a bigger bed and vice versa (if you have little space). The same applies to whether you have one side or the other for your bedside crib.
Although bedside cribs have a reputation for being difficult to assemble, most of them are quite easy to put together. Usually, all you need is a flat board, some hardware (such as nuts and bolts), and an extra long piece of wood that run along the wall behind the cot. Then, all that's left is assembly.
In summary, bedside cribs are great for making sure that your baby gets the sleep he needs. Their size allows you to turn your nursery into a small bed for your little guy or girl, and their solid construction makes it possible to use them in a wide variety of ways. Most models offer an extra long side panel for placing a tray underneath the mattress. These trays allow you to change position so that your little one can get the sleep he or she needs. As you can see, there are a variety of options when buying a bedside crib. You should be able to find one that fits well into your overall decor.