Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is an cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the bed's side to ensure your baby is safe while you sleep. It allows you to see your baby and reach them for night feedings without disturbing them. It is also perfect for those with reflux.
The NHS recommends that your child sleeps in a separate crib, Moses basket or crib for the first six month. A bedside crib can be an economical and practical alternative to a full size cot.
Safety
Cots are a safe and secure place for babies to sleep. They have high sides to keep babies from falling. They also have a solid head and footboard with shapes cut out to ensure babies aren't entangled. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges could pose dangers to children's health by choking.
Continue Reading recommends that a baby should sleep in the same space as their parents for the first six months of life but not in their bed due to the danger of suffocation. A bedside crib could be a great solution for parents who are struggling to resist the temptation of sharing their bed with a child who is sleeping. These cribs are specially designed to be attached to the sides of the bed where you can easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed, and they conform to all safety standards.
If you're looking to buy a cot with a side that can drop down to sleep, you should look for the SnuzPod4. This crib comes with dual-view mesh windows as well as an adjustable wall that can be lowered to allow it to be used on its own for a good night's sleep. It also complies with the latest safety standards for cots and comes with a a rocking feature that soothes infants to sleep.
Make sure the crib has been thoroughly cleaned and is the right size for your child. It should be at minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from getting out of the cot as they increase in height. Also, be sure to remove any stickers or transfers from the inside of the cot, as these can peel off and create an choking risk.
The cot shouldn't sit too close to a radiator or a sunny window, since babies are more at risk of SIDS because of overheating. Blind cords must be removed as babies can be strangled by them. Duvets, pillows and other bedding can suffocate infants, so the cot should not be full of these.
It is also recommended to read a guide on cot safety before purchasing a cot for your baby. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and guidance on safe baby sleeping. You can also take part in an NCT New Baby course to learn more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs are a great option to sleep in a safe environment with your baby, and they come in many different designs. Some bassinets are attached to your bed, allowing you to easily lift your child up to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep without having to get out of the bed. Others are portable, like the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which transforms into a travel cot, co-sleeper and playpen for use at home or on the go.
It is vital to keep in mind that, just like with any sleeping arrangement for your baby the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your child sleeps on their backs in order to reduce the chance of SIDS. When choosing a mattress for your baby's crib, ensure that it's firm and flat and fits snugly into the cot with no gaps. Also, you should consider putting on a breathable cover to protect your mattress from spills or accidents.
Celeb mums such as Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead love bedside cribs, which are bassinet-style cots which attach to the sides of your bed. They come with an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby during the night for feeding or soothing. They are particularly useful for parents who have had c-sections recovering.
Portability
A crib for your bed is a great way to keep your baby close, especially during the early months when nappy and night feed changes are routine. It allows you to tend to your baby's needs without having to move from your bed, and also will help your child build a strong bond with you. It can also help get you some restful sleep.
Most bedside cots can be moved which means you can move them around the room easily. They are great for small spaces and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed's side. Some are compact enough to fit into your luggage when traveling with your baby.
Some models are designed with a collapsible front which makes it easier to lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or to soothe them back to sleep. This can be useful for mothers who breastfeed, and can reduce the risk suffocation. The majority of cribs for bedside use can be used for babies from six months old. However, certain cribs can be used by older infants.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a fantastic choice for parents who are new because it's safe, versatile and comes with a bag. It has a stay-in-place connection system for attaching to your bed and comes with six height settings to suit your requirements. It has a drop-side to facilitate access, and an incline setting for babies with reflux or coughs.
Our testers loved the fact that it was quick and easy to assemble, and that it can be folded away in a matter of seconds, which made it an ideal choice for travel. They also felt that it was durable and although they did point out that it didn't rock or offer extra features such as the sound of lullabies, they also said that it was an excellent travel cot.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another crib that we have shortlisted for our bedside, which our parents loved. Its unique design allows you to keep your child close to you. This helps to strengthen the bond between you and your baby. It also has a handy storage space, which can be used to store nappies as well as baby wipes and clothing and you don't have to worry about leaving them unattended. Our parent testers reported that it was heavy when it was packed away, and that they would have a difficult time carrying it up and down the stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs are the most secure alternative to co-sleeping. They can help your baby grow up independently by separating their bedroom from yours. This is particularly useful during the first few months, when your baby may require frequent nappy and sleep changes. It's also a great option for parents who find it difficult to bend down in order to take their newborn baby in the arms.
The majority of bedside cots can be attached to the main mattress, and come with a comfortable mattress for your baby. You can also add bedding, including a soft fitted sheet, to ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable at night. A comfortable mattress cover with a breathable fabric will keep the moisture off of the mattress and reduce your baby's risk of SIDS or allergies.
The price of a bedside crib may differ, but it's typically less expensive than the price of a larger crib. They also make a fantastic gift for new parents. The CoZee from Kinderkraft is an example. It's an excellent value. It can be used for an in-bed crib or a standalone bed. It also comes with a breathable bed and the stand. A fitted sheet is available to increase comfort and to prevent the accumulation of stains.
SnuzPod, a trusted brand, has a wide range of colors and fabrics that will match the nursery or bedroom of your baby. They also have a padded base that provides the necessary cushioning and support to your baby. Many of these cribs can be adjusted to the height of your mattress, and some have a gentle angle to help your child sleep better.
It's tempting to buy an old crib for your bed. However, it's crucial to buy new mattresses. Old or second-hand mattresses can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, and they might not be as dependable. It's also important to ensure that the mattress fits correctly Some cribs are made to fit certain brands of mattresses only.
Another option is to get a cot that will be suitable for your child as they grow older. They may be more expensive however they're an excellent investment to ensure your child's safety and health. They're also a good option if you're planning to have more than one child.