Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is an cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed to ensure your baby is safe while you sleep. It lets you be able to see and reach your baby during night feeds without having to disturb them. It's also great for those with reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your baby sleeps in their own crib, cot or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib can be a more economical and practical alternative to a full size crib.
Safety
Cots are safe and secure places for babies to sleep. They are covered with high sides to stop babies from falling out. The solid footboards and headboards are shaped to prevent babies from becoming trapped. Soft toys, cot bumpers and wedges can pose dangers to children's health by choking.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies shouldn't sleep in their parents' bed for the first six month of their lives due the possibility of in suffocation. A bedside crib is a great solution for parents who are unable to resist the attraction of sharing their bed with a sleeping child. These cribs are specifically designed to be attached to the side of the bed where you can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed, and they conform to all safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib with an option to drop down overnight, look for the SnuzPod4. The crib features dual-view mesh windows as well as the ability to zip down the wall, which allows it to be utilized on its own for a good night's sleep. It also complies with the latest standard for cot safety and has a rocking function that helps babies sleep.
When selecting a cot, ensure that it has been cleaned thoroughly and is of a suitable size for your child. It should be at a minimum of 50cm deep to stop your child from escaping as they grow. Also, make sure to remove any stickers or transfers from the interior of the cot, since these can peel off and present an choking risk.
The cot shouldn't sit too close to a radiator or a sunny window, since babies are at heightened risk of SIDS because of overheating. It must also be free of blind cords as babies are known to get entangled and strangled in the cords. Duvets, pillows and other beddings can choke babies, which is why the cot should be devoid of these.
You should also read the safety guidelines for cots before you purchase a cot for your baby. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and tips on safe baby sleeping. You can also participate in an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about sleep safety.
check allow you to co-sleep with your baby. They are available in a variety of styles. Some bassinets can be attached to your bed, allowing you to easily raise your child to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep, without having to get out of bed. Others are portable, like the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, that transforms into a travel cot, playpen, and co-sleeper to use at home or on the go.
It is vital to keep in mind that, as with all sleeping arrangements for your baby, the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your child sleeps on their back to help reduce the risk of SIDS. When selecting a mattress for your baby's crib, ensure that it is flat and firm, and fits in the cot comfortably without gaps. It is also recommended that you use a mattress cover that is breathable to protect the mattress from spills and accidents.
Bedside cribs are bassinets that attach on the side of your mattress. Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead, and many other famous faces love them. These cribs have the option of lowering or taking off the side that allows you to touch your baby's face to soothe them or feed them at night. They are also great for parents recovering after c-sections.
Portability
A crib for your bed is a great option to keep your baby close, particularly in the first few months of life when nappy and night feed changes are regular. It allows you to attend to your baby's needs without having to get out of your own bed, and it helps your little one establish a strong bond with you. It can also help ensure that you get a good night's sleep.
Most bedside cots are able to be moved around the room. They are ideal for small spaces and can be used as a standalone crib or a bedside cot that is attached to the bed's side. Some are even compact enough to fit into your suitcase when you travel with your infant.
Some models are equipped with a collapsible face, which makes it easy to lift your baby out towards you for a night-time feeding or to soothe them back to sleep. This is beneficial for breastfeeding mums, and it can reduce the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The majority of cribs for bedside use are suitable for infants up to six months old, but some are suitable for older children.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a great option for new parents as it's safe, flexible and comes with bags. It has a stay-in-place connection system that can be attached to your bed, and six height settings that can be adjusted to meet your requirements. It has a drop-side to allow easier access, and an incline setting for infants with reflux or coughs.
Our test subjects loved the fact that it was quick and easy to put together and that it can be folded away in seconds and was a great choice for travelling. It was also sturdy and they were pleased that it didn't have any additional features, like lullabies or rocking.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another selected bedside cot that our parents loved. Its unique design enables you to keep your child close to you and helps in building a stronger bond between you and your baby. It also has a handy storage area that can be used to store nappies diapers, baby wipes, and clothes which means you don't need to worry about leaving them unattended. However, our testers from parents were adamant that it was heavy when packed away and that they had difficulty with it when they went up and down the steps, which is something to consider if you reside in a house that has lots of stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs are a safe alternative to cosleeping. They can help your child develop independence by separating your child's sleep environment from the one of you. This is especially useful in the first few months of life when your baby is likely to require feeding at night and frequent changing of nappy. It's also a great solution for parents who are having difficulty bending down to pick their child up.
The majority of cots for bedside use can be connected to the main mattress, and come with a comfortable mattress for your baby. You can also add bedding, such as an incredibly soft fitted bed sheet to ensure your baby is secure and comfortable during the night. A soft, breathable cover can aid in keeping moisture from the mattress and reduce your baby's chance of suffering from SIDS and allergic.
A bedside crib's price can differ, but it's usually less than the cost of a full-size crib. These cribs are also ideal gifts for new parents. The Kinderkraft CoZee is a fantastic example, providing excellent value for price. It can be used as a bedside crib, a standalone bed, and travel cot. It comes with a breathable mattress and the stand. A fitted sheet is available to provide extra comfort and to prevent the accumulation of staining.
SnuzPod is a well-known brand, offers a variety of fabrics and colors that can be matched to the nursery or bedroom of your baby. The base is padded to cushion and provide support to your baby. A majority of cribs can be adjusted to the height of your mattress, and some also have a slight angle of reflux to assist your child to sleep better.
You may be tempted to purchase a second-hand crib for your bed, but it's important that you use a new mattress. Old or used mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby, and may not be as comfortable. It's important to make sure that the mattress fits properly Some cribs were made to be able to only fit certain brands.
You can also buy an cot-bed that can grow with your child. They may be more expensive however they're an excellent investment to ensure your child's safety and health. They're also a great option if you're planning on having more than one baby.