Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is a piece of furniture that attaches securely to the bed's side. This allows safe cosleeping. It lets you see and reach your baby for night feeds without disrupting them. It is also perfect for those with reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your baby sleeps in a separate cot, crib or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib is a cost-effective and practical alternative to a full-size cot.
Safety
Cots offer a safe and secure space for babies to sleep. They are surrounded by high sides that stop babies from falling out. The footboards and headboards have shapes cut into them to stop babies from becoming entangled. Additionally the cot should not be cluttered with soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges that could pose a choking risk.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies should not sleep in their parents' beds for the first six months of their life due to the danger of being suffocated. Many parents find it hard to resist the urge to share their bed with a baby sleeping, so a bedside crib is a great option for safe and peaceful co-sleeping. These cribs are attached to the side or headboard of a parent’s bed to allow you to reach your child without having to leave the bed. They also meet all safety standards.
The SnuzPod4 cot features a side that which you can lower for the night. This crib has dual-view mesh windows and the ability to zip down the wall, which allows it to be used as a stand-alone unit for a good night's sleep. It also meets the new cot safety standard and has the feature of rocking to soothe infants to sleep.
When you are choosing a cot ensure that it has been thoroughly cleaned and is of a suitable size for your child. It should be at minimum 50cm deep to stop your child from climbing out of the cot as they increase in height. Take off any stickers and other transfers that may be removed from the inside of your cot and pose a choking risk.
The cot shouldn't be too close to the sun or radiator as babies are susceptible to overheating and could be at a higher risk of developing SIDS. Blind cords should be removed as babies can be caught in cords. Duvets, pillows and other beddings can choke infants, so the cot should be devoid of these.
You should also go through the safety guidelines for cots before you purchase a cot for your baby. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust have lots of helpful information and tips on safe baby sleep. You can also attend an NCT New Baby course to learn more about sleeping safely.
Design
Bedside cribs are a fantastic method to co-sleep safely with your baby, and they come in many different styles. Some bassinets attach to your bed, allowing you to easily lift your child up to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep without getting out of bed. Some are portable, such as the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which can be transformed into an cot for travel, a co-sleeper and playpen for use at home or on the go.
It is important to keep in mind that, like all sleeping arrangements for your baby, the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your child sleeps on their backs to reduce the chance of SIDS. When choosing a crib mattress be sure that it is firm and flat, and that it is able to fit snugly in the crib without gaps. It is also recommended to use an air-tight cover to shield your mattress from spills and accidents.
Celebrity moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead love bedside cribs, which are cots in the bassinet style that are attached to the side of your bed. They come with a drop-down or removable side that allows you to be close to your baby for nighttime feeding or soothing. They are especially beneficial for parents recovering from c-sections.
Portability
A crib for your bed is a great way to keep your baby close during the early months when nappy and night feed changes are routine. It lets you be attentive to your baby's needs without having to leave your bed. It also helps your child establish a close relationship with you. It also allows you to get a good night's sleep.
The majority of bedside cots can be moved around the room. They are perfect for small spaces and can be used as a stand-alone crib or a bedside cot that is attached to the side of your bed. Some are small enough to fit in your luggage when traveling with your baby.
Certain models come with a collapsible face that makes it simple to lift your baby towards you during night feeding or to soothe them back to sleep. This can be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers, and can reduce the risk of suffocation. The majority of cribs for bedside use are suitable for infants up to six months old, however some are suitable for older infants.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a great choice for new parents as it's safe, versatile and comes with a bag. It features a stay-in place connection system to attach to your bed, as well as six height settings that can be adjusted to suit your requirements. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access, and an incline option for babies with reflux or coughs.
It was simple to assemble, and it could be folded in a matter of seconds. This made it a great option for travel. They also said that it was strong and, while they did point out that it didn't rock or include extra features, such as lullabies, they did say that it was an excellent travel cot.
Chicco Next2me Magic was another bedside cot on our shortlist that parents loved. Its unique design lets you to put your baby close to you, which is great for building a stronger bond between you. It also has a convenient storage space that can be used for nappies diapers, baby wipes, and clothes and you don't have to be concerned about leaving them at home. However, our parent testers did mention that it was a bit bulky when packed away and that they would struggle to carry it up and down the stairs and down the stairs, which is something to be aware of if you reside in a house that has lots of steps.
Cost
Bedside cribs in the UK are a safe alternative to co-sleeping and can help your baby develop independence by separating their bedroom from yours. This is particularly beneficial in the early months, when your baby may require frequent nappy or night changes. It's also a great solution for parents who have trouble getting their baby up.
The majority of bedside cots can be easily attached to your main mattress and will have a comfortable baby mattress. You can add additional bedding, like sheets that are soft and fitted to ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable at night. A comfortable, breathable mattress cover will keep the moisture off of the mattress and decrease your baby's chances of developing SIDS or allergies.
The cost of a bedside crib can differ, but they are generally less than a full-size cot. These cribs are also ideal gifts for new parents. The Kinderkraft CoZee is a great example, offering excellent value for money. It can be used as an in-bed crib or a standalone bed. It also includes a breathable mattress and the stand. A fitted sheet is provided to increase comfort and to prevent the accumulation of staining.
SnuzPod, a trusted brand, has a wide range of fabrics and colors that can be matched to the nursery or bedroom of your baby. url have a padded base that provides the necessary cushioning and support to your baby. Many of their cribs can be raised or lowered to suit the bed's height and some have a slight incline for reflux to aid your baby in sleeping better.
You might be tempted purchase a second-hand crib for your bed however, it is essential that you use a new mattress. Second-hand mattresses or ones that are used may increase the risk of your child developing SIDS, and may not be as supportive. It is essential to ensure that the mattress is properly fitted Some cribs were made to be able to only fit certain brands.
Another option is to buy a cot that is suitable for your baby as they grow older. They may be more expensive, but they're a good investment for your child's safety as well as health. They're also a great option if you're planning on having more than one baby.