Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is a piece of furniture that is secured to the side of a bed. This allows for secure cosleeping. It lets you view your baby and reach them for night feedings without disturbing them. It is also ideal for those suffering from reflux.
The NHS suggests that your baby sleeps in a separate cot, Moses basket or crib for the first 6 months. A bedside crib could be a more economical and practical alternative to a larger crib.
Safety
Cots are a safe and secure space for babies to sleep. They are surrounded by high sides that prevent babies from falling out. They also have a sturdy head and footboard, with a design cut out so that babies aren't entangled. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges can pose the risk of choking.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies should not sleep in their parents' beds for the first six months of their life due to the risk being suffocated. A bedside crib could be a great solution for parents who are struggling to resist the desire to share their bed with a sleeping child. These cribs are specifically designed to attach to the side of the bed where you can easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed, and adhere to all safety standards.
SnuzPod4 is a cot that includes a side that you can lower to sleep in. The crib features dual-view mesh windows and an adjustable wall that can be lowered to allow it to be used as a stand-alone unit to ensure a restful night's sleep. It also complies with the latest standards for safety of cots and comes with a rocking feature that soothes babies to sleep.
When you are choosing a cot make sure it's been cleaned thoroughly and is of a suitable size for your child. It should be at a minimum of 50cm deep, to avoid your baby from climbing out as they increase in height. Also, make sure to take away any stickers and transfer paper from the inside of the cot, since these can peel off and pose a choking hazard.
The cot shouldn't be too close to the radiator or sunny window as babies are susceptible to overheating and could be at an increased risk of developing SIDS. Blind cords must be taken off as babies could be caught in cords. Duvets, pillows, and other bedding can suffocate babies, which is why the cot should be free of these.
It's also a good idea to study a cot safety guide prior to purchasing your baby one. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and guidance regarding safe sleeping for your baby. You can also take part in an NCT New Baby course to learn more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs let you co-sleep safely with your baby. They are available in a variety of styles. Some bassinets can be attached to your bed and allow you to lift your child up to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep without getting out of bed. Others are portable, like 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.
The Lullaby Trust advises that your baby should sleep on their back, regardless of the sleeping arrangement. This can help reduce the risk of SIDS. When selecting a crib mattress make sure it is flat and firm and fits snugly in the crib without gaps. It is also recommended that you use a mattress cover that is breathable to shield the mattress from accidents and spills.
Celebrity moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead are awestruck by bedside cribs, which are bassinet-style cots that attach to the sides of your bed. They have a removable or drop down side that allows you to be close to your baby for nighttime feeding or soothing. They are especially beneficial for parents who have had c-sections recovering.
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 routine. It lets you attend to your baby's requirements without leaving your bed. It also helps your child establish an intimate connection with you. It can also help you get a good night's sleep.
Most bedside cots can be moved around the room. They are great 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. travel cot bedside crib are even compact enough to fit into your luggage if you're traveling with your infant.
Some models are designed with a collapsible face that makes it simple to lift your baby towards you for a night-time feeding or to soothe them back to sleep. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers and can lower the chance of suffocation. The majority of cribs in the bed are suitable for babies up to six months old, but some are suitable for older babies.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a great option for new parents because it's safe, versatile and comes with a bag. It comes with a stay-in place connection system to attach to your bed and offers six height settings to suit your requirements. It features a drop-side that can make it easier to access, and an incline setting for babies with coughs or reflux.
Our testers were impressed that it was fast and easy to assemble and that it can be folded away in seconds, which made it an ideal option for traveling. It was also sturdy, and they liked the fact that it didn't include additional features, like rocking or lullabies.
Chicco Next2me Magic was another bedside cot on our shortlist that parents loved. Its unique design allows you to keep your child close to you. This helps to strengthen the bond between you and your child. It also comes with a useful storage space, which can be used to store nappies diapers, baby wipes, and clothes, so you don't have to worry about leaving them unattended. However, our testers from parents were adamant that it was heavy 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 reside in a home with lots of steps.
Cost
Bedside cribs can be a secure alternative to cosleeping. They can help your child develop independence by separating your child's sleep environment from the one you share with them. This is especially useful during the early months as your baby will need night feeds and frequent nappy changes. It's also a great choice for parents who have trouble reaching down to pick their child up.
The majority of bedside cots can be easily affixed to your mattress and come with a breathable baby mattress. You can add additional bedding, like sheets that are fitted and soft to ensure your baby is snug and secure at night. A soft, breathable cover will help keep the mattress dry which will reduce your baby's risk of SIDS and allergies.
The cost of a bedside crib may vary, but most are less expensive than a full-size cot. They also make a fantastic gift for new parents. The Kinderkraft CoZee is an example. It's an excellent value. It can be used as a bedside crib, standalone bed, and travel cot. It includes a breathable mattress and an adjustable stand. A fitted sheet is included to increase comfort and protect against staining.
A reputable brand like SnuzPod will offer a wide range of colors and fabrics that will fit your baby's nursery bedroom. They also have a padded base that can provide the necessary cushioning and support to your baby. Many cribs can be raised or lowered to suit the bed's height and some have a gentle reflux incline to aid your baby in sleeping better.
It's tempting to buy an old crib for your bed. However, it is crucial to buy new mattresses. Used or worn-out mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby, and may not be as supportive. It's also important to make sure that the mattress is fitted correctly - some cribs are designed to fit specific brands of mattresses.
You can also buy a cot-bed that will grow with your child. They're more expensive, but are a great investment in the safety and health of your child. They're also a good choice if you plan to have more than one child.