Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. It lets you view and reach your baby for nighttime feeds without disturbing them. It is also great for those suffering from reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your baby sleeps in their own separate cot, crib or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib can be an affordable and practical alternative to a full size crib.
Safety
Cots are secure and safe areas for babies to rest. They are built with high sides to stop babies from falling. They also have a solid head and footboard that has shapes cut out to ensure that babies cannot become entangled. Additionally, the cot should not be cluttered with soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges that pose dangerous to choke.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies should not be sleeping in their parents' beds for the first six months of their lives due the danger of in suffocation. However, many parents find it hard to resist the temptation to share their bed with a baby who is sleeping so a crib for bedside is a great option for a safe and tranquil co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached to the sides of a parent's bed so you can easily reach your child without stepping out of the bed, and they conform to all safety standards.
SnuzPod4 is a cot that has a side you can lower overnight. The crib has a two-view mesh windows and a wall that can be lowered which allows it to be used by itself to get a good night's sleep. It also meets the new safety standards for cots and comes with a an incline feature that helps soothe infants to sleep.
When choosing a cot, make sure it's been thoroughly cleaned and is of a suitable size for your child. It should be at a minimum of 50cm deep to stop your child from climbing out as they increase in height. Also, make sure to remove stickers and transfers from the inside of the cot, as they may peel off and present a choking hazard.
The cot shouldn't be placed too close to a radiator or a sunny window, as babies are at heightened risk of SIDS because of overheating. Blind cords should be taken off as babies could be trapped by cords. Duvets, pillows and other bedding can suffocate babies, so the cot should be devoid of them.
It's also a good idea to go through a safety guide for cots before purchasing your baby one. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and advice on safe baby sleeping. You can also take part in an NCT New Baby course to learn more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs let you co-sleep with your baby. They are available in a variety of designs. Some are bassinet-style and attaches to your bed so you can effortlessly lift your child up to night feed or soothe them back 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 move.
It is crucial to remember that, as with all sleeping arrangements 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 crib mattress, ensure that it is flat and firm, and that it fits perfectly in the crib without gaps. It is also recommended that you use a breathable mattress cover to protect the mattress from accidents and spills.
Bedside cribs are bassinets that sit on the side of your mattress. Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead, and many other famous faces are fans of these cribs. They come with an adjustable or lowered side that allows you to reach your baby's neck to feed or soothe them during the night. They are also great for parents recovering after C-sections.
travel bedside crib is a great option to keep your baby close, especially during the early months when nappy changes and nighttime feeds changes are routine. It lets you take care of your baby's needs without having to leave your bed. It can also help your child build an intimate connection with you. It also helps you get some restful sleep yourself.
Most bedside cots are portable and can be moved them around the room with ease. They are great for smaller spaces. They can be used as a crib attached to your bed or as a standalone crib. Some are compact enough to fit into your suitcase when traveling with your child.
Some models are equipped with a collapsible side that makes it simple to lift your baby towards you during night feeding or to soothe them back to sleep. This can be helpful for breastfeeding mums and reduces the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most bedside cribs are suitable for infants up to six months old, however some are suitable for older babies.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib is a great choice for parents who are new as it's versatile, safe and comes with a travel bag. It has a stay-in-place connection system to attach to your bed and six height settings that can be adjusted to meet your needs. large bedside cot has a drop-side to make it easier to access, and an incline setting for infants who suffer from coughs or reflux.
Our testers loved the fact that it was quick and easy to put together and that it could be folded away in just a few seconds, which made it a great choice for travelling. It was also sturdy and they appreciated the fact that it didn't include extra features like rocking or lullabies.
Chicco Next2me Magic was another bedside cot on our shortlist that parents loved. Its unique design allows you to put your baby close to you. This helps to strengthen the bond between you and your baby. It has a storage compartment that can be used to store clothes, wipes and nappies so that you don't have to worry about leaving them in the house. However, our testers from parents were adamant that it was a bit bulky when packed away and that they would struggle to carry it up and down the steps which is something you should think about if you live in a house with many steps.
Cost
Bedside cribs are a safe alternative to cosleeping. They can help your child develop independence by separating his or her sleeping environment from the one you share with them. This is especially beneficial in the beginning of the year when your baby is likely to need night feeds and frequent diaper changes. It's also a great solution for parents who have difficulty to bend over to pick up their infant.
The majority of bedside cots can be easily attached to your main mattress and will come with a breathable baby mattress. You can also add bedding, like a soft fitted bed sheet to keep your baby secure and comfortable during the night. A comfortable, breathable cover will help keep moisture from the mattress which will lower the chance of suffering from SIDS and allergic.
The price of a bedside crib can vary, but most are less than a full-size cot. They can also be a great gift for parents who are expecting. The CoZee from Kinderkraft is a great example, offering excellent value for money. It can be used for an in-bed crib or a standalone bed. It also includes a breathable bed and a stand. A fitted sheet is available for extra comfort and to prevent stains.
A reputable brand like SnuzPod offers a variety of colors and fabrics that will match your baby's nursery or bedroom. The base is padded to cushion and help your baby. A lot of cribs can be adjusted to fit the level of your mattress and some also have a slight angle of reflux to assist your child to sleep better.
It's tempting to buy an old crib for your bed. However, it's crucial to buy a new mattress. Mattresses that are second-hand or old may increase your baby's risk of SIDS, and may not be as supportive. It's important to make sure that the mattress is fitted correctly Certain cribs were created to fit only certain brands.
Another option is to buy a cot bed that is suitable for your child as they grow older. These can be a bit more expensive but they're a great investment for your child's safety and health. They're also a great option when you're planning to have more than one baby.