Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is an accessory that can be secured to the bed's side. This allows safe cosleeping. It lets you see and reach your baby for nighttime feeds without having to disturb them. It is also perfect for those with reflux.
The NHS suggests that your baby sleeps in a separate cot, Moses basket or crib for the first 6 months. A bedside crib can be a more economical and practical alternative to a full size crib.
Safety
Cots provide a safe and secure place for babies to sleep. They feature high sides to keep babies from falling. The solid head and footboards have shapes cut into them to keep babies from getting trapped. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges can be a choking hazard.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that a baby should be in the same room with their parents for the first six months of their life but not in their bed due to the risk of being suffocated. However, many parents are unable to resist the temptation to share their bed with a baby sleeping, so a bedside crib is a great alternative for a safe and tranquil co-sleeping. These cribs attach to the headboard or side 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 crib with the ability to slide down overnight, look for the SnuzPod4. This crib comes with a dual-view mesh window and a wall that can be lowered that allows it to be used on its own to ensure a peaceful sleep. It also meets the new cot safety standard and has an incline feature that helps soothe infants to sleep.
Check that the crib has been thoroughly cleaned and is the correct size for your child. It should be at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from leaving the cot as they increase in height. Remove stickers and transfers that could fall off the cot's interior and pose a choking risk.
The cot shouldn't be placed too close to a radiator or a bright window, as babies are more at risk of SIDS due to overheating. Blind cords must be removed as babies can be strangled by them. The cot should also be clear from duvets, pillows and other bedding, which can lead to death.
It's recommended to go through a safety guide for cots prior to purchasing your baby one. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and guidance on safe baby sleeping. You can also participate in an NCT New Baby course to learn more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs let you co-sleep safely with your baby. They come in a variety of designs. Some bassinets attach to your bed which allows you to raise your child to feed them at night or help soothe them 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 playpen, and co-sleeper to use at home or on the go.
The Lullaby Trust advises that your baby should be sleeping on their backs regardless of their sleeping arrangement. This can help reduce the risk for SIDS. When choosing a mattress for your crib, ensure that it is flat and firm and is able to fit snugly in the crib without gaps. You should also use an air-tight cover to shield your mattress from spills or accidents.
Celebrity moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead are awestruck by bedside cribs, which are cots with a bassinet design which attach to the sides of your bed. They come with an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby during the night for feeding or soothing. They are particularly useful for parents who are recovering from c-sections.
Portability
A crib for your bed is a great way to keep your baby close, especially during the early months when night feeds and nappy changes are a regular. It lets you take care of your baby's needs without leaving your bed. It also helps your child develop an intimate relationship with you. It can also help you get a good night's sleep.
The majority of bedside cots can be moved around the room. They are ideal for smaller areas. They can be used as a crib attached to your bed, or as a standalone crib. Some are even small enough to fit in your suitcase when you travel with your baby.
Certain models come with a collapsible side which makes it easier to lift your baby towards you during night feeding or to soothe them back to sleep. This is beneficial for breastfeeding mums and can help reduce the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The majority of cribs in the bed are suitable for babies up to six months, although some are suitable for older children.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib is an excellent choice for parents who are new as it's versatile, safe and comes with a bag for travel. It has a stay-in-place connection system for attaching to your bed and offers six height options to suit your needs. It features a drop-side that can facilitate access, and an incline option for babies with reflux or coughs.
Our testers loved the fact that it was fast and easy to assemble, and that it can be folded away in a matter of seconds, which made it an ideal choice for travel. They also thought that it was durable, and while they did note that it did not rock or provide extra features like the sound of lullabies, they also said that it made an excellent travel cot.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another shortlisted bedside cot that our parents loved. Its unique design allows you to sleep your child close to you and helps in building a stronger bond between you. It has a storage area that can be used to store your baby's clothes, wipes and nappies, so you don't have to worry about leaving the items in the house. Our parent testers reported that it was bulky when it was put away, and they would have difficulty carrying it up and down stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs can be a secure alternative to cosleeping. They can aid your child in developing independence by separating your child's sleep space from the one of you. This is particularly useful during the first few months when your baby might require frequent nappy and sleep changes. It's also a great option for parents who are having difficulty bending down to pick their child up.
Most bedside cots are easily affixed to your main mattress and will have a comfortable baby mattress. You can add extra bedding, like a soft fitted bed sheet to ensure your baby is secure and comfortable during the night. A soft, breathable cover will help keep moisture from the mattress and reduce the chances of developing SIDS and allergies.
The cost of a bedside crib may vary, but the majority are smaller than a standard cot. These cribs are also ideal gifts for new parents. The CoZee by Kinderkraft, for example, is an excellent value. It can be used as a bedside crib or standalone bed. It also includes a breathable bed and an adjustable stand. baby bedside crib fitted sheet is available for added comfort and to keep stains out.
SnuzPod, a trusted brand, has a range of fabrics and colors that will complement your baby's bedroom or nursery. The base is cushioned to protect and support your baby. Many cribs can be raised or lowered to match the bed's height Some even have a slight incline for reflux to aid your baby in sleeping better.
You might be tempted to purchase a second-hand crib for your bed however, it is essential that you purchase a brand new mattress. Old or second-hand mattresses can increase the risk of your child developing SIDS, and may not be as supportive. It's also important to ensure that the mattress is fitted correctly Certain cribs are designed to fit specific brands of mattresses.
You can also purchase an cot-bed that can grow with your child. They may be more expensive however they're an excellent investment for your child's safety and health. They're also a great choice if you're planning on having more than one baby.