Transitioning From Moses Basket to Co-Sleeper
With a crib that is placed at your bedside or a co-sleeper, your baby can sleep comfortably close to your bed. Many have extra features like music and rockers.
The Shnuggle Air also comes with a cot conversion kit and mattress, which expands your child's cozy and safe sleeping space into a chic cot. This innovative feature was a huge hit with our mum testers.
Sleeping bag
Baby sleeping bags offer the same level of comfort as a blanket but without the risks. These bags are a great choice for parents who are looking to transition from a Moses basket to a crib or cot. The sleep sacks are designed with security in mind and adhere to strict European standards. The sleep sacks permit parents to connect and bond with their babies throughout the night. This is crucial for promoting healthy sleeping patterns and developing brain connections.
The majority of experts agree that a bedside crib is the safest place for your baby's sleep. But, it's important to keep in mind that your baby will be more mobile once they reach six months of age. This means that they will likely want to roll and crawl before eventually sitting up during naps and at night. This makes it even more important to transfer your baby from their moses basket to a cot at the right time for them.
Babies who have reached this stage are usually ready to transition from their moses basket to a cradle or cot at around four months of age, but it will depend on each child. When your baby is ready, they might begin to roll over when sleeping, or raise their arms when lying flat on their stomach and then become uncomfortable in their bassinet.
It is important to choose a sleeping bag that fits well and is not too tight or loose. It is essential to select the correct tog that is appropriate for your baby's body temperature. You can also alter it when the weather changes. Also, make sure to keep any blankets tucked away since they can hinder your baby's breathing and cause excessive heat.
Once your baby has settled into their cot, make sure they are not too close to any heat sources, like windows or radiators that get direct sunlight. Make sure that all baby monitors and curtains cables are out of reach. Be aware that your baby is less capable of controlling their temperature than you, therefore they are more susceptible to overheating.
Blankets
Baby blankets are a cute accessory to any cot or bedside table and it's common for new parents to want to protect their baby with a warm blanket before they go to sleep. However the use of a blanket in a crib is not safe for babies and can increase the danger of SIDS, suffocation, or the possibility of entrapment. The best choice is a firm, well-fitted sheet that covers the mattress. A blanket can be used as a top layer but should not cover the baby's face and should be loos enough to allow airflow.
Many instances of accidental suffocation among infants are caused by soft bedding such as pillows, blankets and toys. This occurs when the blanket restricts breathing or when the baby's body is wrapped tightly around it. It also happens when the blanket is tangled or twisted in the crib corners.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests waiting until your baby is at least one year old to use a blanket in the bassinet or crib. This is because studies have shown that blankets increase the risk of SIDS in infants and newborns especially when they are placed on their backs while they sleep. The AAP suggests that you stay clear of crib bumpers and pillows as well as sheepskin blankets and stuffed toys in the crib. These items increase the risk of suffocation.
You can use a blanket to cover your convertible cot for warmth. To prevent the blanket from falling loose, it is important to make sure that it is secured into place. Alternatively, you can use swaddles or sleep sacks to keep your baby warm during the night.
Another alternative is a portable bedside crib, which attaches securely to the side of the parent's mattress for an effortless transition from toddler to sleeper bed. This kind of crib can be easily moved from room to room because it's light and portable. Many include a conversion kit so that you can transform the crib into a standalone cot as your child develops. If bedside crib to cot in the market for a portable crib, ensure that you choose one that meets current British or European safety standards.
Cuddles
A bedside crib is a fantastic option to keep baby close all night without needing to get up to feed. They're a great option for mothers recovering from a csection who require to reach baby easily, and also for helping babies start to settle independently while still close to their parents.
When choosing a crib, it is important to choose one that's compatible with your bed - look for one with safety straps or harnesses that securely attach to your bed. Double-check the height the crib is compatible with, as some cribs won't fit if you have a high bed frame. Some cribs also have additional features such as a reflux incline or storage shelf, but these aren't essential if you're looking for the simplest solution.
You could also choose cribs with a swivel base which allows you to move the baby around the room effortlessly - perfect if you have an awkward space or small bedroom. Lastly, you'll need to consider how portable the crib is - do you want it to be easy to move from room to room, or is it able to fold flat and/or be detachable to become a moses basket or older baby cot?
Cuddle cots have also become increasingly popular as an alternative to a sleeping bag. They allow you to remain in the same bedroom as your baby for the first few weeks of life. This is particularly beneficial for those who are struggling to sleep, or suffering from post-natal depression. Charlotte Szakacs, 21, and her husband Attila 28 were devastated when their daughter Evlyn passed away four weeks after her birth due to a rare chromosomal anomaly however they were capable of spending 16 blissful days cuddling her in their cuddle cot. The couple documented the time they spent with her on Instagram. This was a great comfort to the family.
Baby Steps
When you've successfully helped your child to sleep throughout the night in their crib by their bedside it's time to think about a step up. This is when they go from the co-sleeper to a standalone cot and this could be a difficult task for many parents. With a little planning, the transition can be easy.
A bedside crib is a specifically designed for infants that lets babies sleep in a safe and secure position close to their parents in their beds. Sometimes, it is referred to as a co-sleeper crib or side sleeping bassinet the crib attaches to the mattress of the parent to allow them to easily reach their baby during the night without needing to get out of bed.
The Lullaby Trust, along with the NHS, recommend that your baby sleep in your room for the first six months. However it is not recommended that you allow your child to sleep in your bed because of the possibility of suffocation and overheating. A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe and practical alternative to letting your baby sleep in the same room with you, giving you a more peaceful night's sleep.
The ideal crib for bed should be well-constructed and sturdy, with a an incredibly secure mattress. A breathable design is best so that your baby doesn't overheat and remain relaxed throughout the night. You'll also want to ensure the crib is compatible with the style of your bed For instance, some cribs work with divan beds while others work with standard frames.
Many experts suggest using a crib for the awake times during the day too to help your baby become familiar with their new sleep space. In these times you could try putting your baby in the crib for short intervals while you're in the room. This will allow them to get used to the feeling of their crib while they're still awake, which will make the transition to sleeping in it much simpler for both of you.
Mum tester Jasmine stated that she loved the feature that this particular bedside crib had an underneath storage area, which is perfect for stashing spare blankets and nappies. It's also the perfect size, noting that it's bigger than standard Moses baskets but not as big as some larger cribs.