Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the bed's side to ensure your baby is safe while you sleep. It allows you to be able to see and reach your baby during feedings at night without having to disturb them. It is also great for those suffering from reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your baby sleeps in their own crib, cot or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib could be an economical and practical alternative to a full size crib.
Safety
Cots provide an ensconced and safe place for babies to sleep. They are protected by high sides to keep babies from falling. They also have a solid head and footboard with shapes cut out so that babies cannot become entangled. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges can pose a choking hazard.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that a baby should be in the same room as their parents for the first six months of their life but not in their bed due to the risk of being suffocated. A bedside crib is the ideal solution for parents who are struggling to resist the desire to share their bed with a child who is sleeping. These cribs are attached to the side or headboard of a bed for parents so that you can reach your child without needing to get out of bed. They also meet all safety standards.
If you're looking for a cot with a side that can drop down overnight, look for the SnuzPod4. The crib features dual-view mesh windows and an adjustable wall that can be lowered to allow it to be used on its own for a peaceful night's rest. It also complies with the latest standards for safety of cots and has a rocking function which soothes babies to sleep.
Make sure that the crib has been thoroughly cleaned and is the right size for your child. It must be at least 50cm deep to prevent your baby from climbing out as they increase in height. Also, ensure that you take away any stickers and transfer paper from the interior of the cot as they can fall off and pose an choking risk.
The cot shouldn't sit too close to a radiator or a bright window, as babies are more at risk of SIDS because of overheating. It should also be free of blind cords, since babies have been reported to be entangled and strangled in them. Duvets, pillows and other bedding can suffocate babies, so the cot should be devoid of these.
You should also go through an article on safety in a cot before you purchase a cot for your baby. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust have lots of helpful information and tips on safe sleep for babies. You can also participate in an NCT New Baby course to learn more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep with your baby in a safe and secure way. They come in a variety of styles. Some bassinets attach to your bed and allow you to raise your child to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep without having to get out of bed. Some are portable, such as the Slumber 3-in-1, a convertible travel cot, cosleeper, and playpen that can be used at home or when you are on the move.
It is crucial to remember that, as with any sleeping arrangement for your baby the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your baby is sleeping on their backs in order to reduce the risk of SIDS. When selecting a mattress for your baby's crib, ensure that it's firm and flat and fits snugly into the cot without gaps. It is also recommended to use an air-tight cover to shield your mattress from spills or accidents.
Bedside cribs are bassinets which attach on the side of your mattress. Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and other celebrities are fans of them. These cribs have an adjustable or lowered side that allows you to reach your baby to soothe them or feed them at night. large bedside crib are also great for parents recovering from C-sections.
Portability
A crib for your bed will allow you to keep your baby close to you at all times, particularly in the early months of life when nighttime feedings and diaper changes are common. It allows you to attend to your baby's needs without having to move away from your bed, and also will help your child establish an intimate relationship with you. It also helps allow you to sleep more soundly.
The majority of bedside cots can be moved around the room. They are ideal for smaller areas. They can be used as a crib that's attached to your bed or as an independent crib. large bedside cot are even small enough to fit into your suitcase when you travel with your child.
Some models are designed with a collapsible face, which makes it easy to lift your baby towards you for a night-time feeding or to soothe them back to sleep. This can be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers and can lower the risk suffocation. The majority of cribs for bedside use can be used by babies as young as 6 months. However, some cribs can be used for older infants.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib is a fantastic option for parents who are new as it's safe, versatile and comes with a bag for travel. It has a stay-in-place connector system that attaches to your bed and six height settings that can be adjusted to suit your needs. It has a drop-side to facilitate access, and an incline setting for babies with coughs or reflux.
It was simple to put together and it could be folded in a matter of seconds. This made it a great option for travel. They also thought that it was strong and, while they did point out that it didn't rock or include extra features, such as songs, they did agree that it was an excellent travel cot.
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 is great for enhancing the bond between you and your baby. It has a storage compartment that can be used to store your baby's clothes, wipes, and nappies so you won't have any worries about leaving the items at home. Our parent testers reported that it was heavy when packed away, and they would have difficulty carrying it up and down stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs are the safe alternative to co-sleeping and can help your baby grow up independently by separating their sleeping environment from yours. This is especially useful in the beginning of the year when your baby is likely to require feeding at night and frequent nappy changes. It's also a great choice for parents who struggle getting their child up.
The majority of bedside cots can be easily attached to your main mattress and will include a comfortable baby mattress. You can also add bedding, including a soft fitted sheet to ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable during the night. A soft mattress cover with a breathable fabric will keep moisture off the mattress and reduce your baby's chances of developing SIDS or allergies.
The cost of a bedside crib can differ, but it's generally less expensive than the cost of a full-size crib. They are also a great gift for new parents. The CoZee from Kinderkraft is a fantastic example, providing excellent value for price. It can be used as a bedside crib, standalone bed, or a travel cot. It is equipped with a comfortable mattress and a stand. A fitted sheet can be added for added comfort and to prevent stains.
SnuzPod, a reputable brand, has a range of colors and fabrics that will complement your baby's bedroom or nursery. The base is padded to cushion and support your baby. A lot of cribs can be adjusted to fit the height of your mattress, and some even have a gentle angle to help your child sleep better.
It's tempting to buy a used bedside crib. But, it's essential to purchase a new mattress. Used or worn-out mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS for your child and aren't as comfortable. It is essential to ensure that the mattress fits properly Some cribs were made to be able to only fit certain brands.
Another option is to buy a cot bed that is suitable for your baby when they're older. These are more expensive, but are a great investment for the health and safety of your child. They're also a good option if you're planning on have more than one child.