What Experts From The Field Want You To Learn
Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is an upholstered bassinet cot that is attached to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. It allows you to be able to see and reach your baby for feedings at night without having to disturb them. It is also perfect for those who suffer from reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your baby sleeps in a separate crib, cot or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib could be an affordable and practical alternative to a larger cot.
Safety
Cots are safe and secure areas for babies to rest. They are covered with high sides to keep babies from falling. They also have a solid head and footboard with shapes cut out so that babies do not get caught in. In addition, 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' bed for the first six month of their lives due the risk in suffocation. A bedside crib could be a great solution for parents who are unable to resist the temptation of sharing their bed with a child who is sleeping. These cribs are attached to the headboard or side of a parent’s bed so that you can reach your child without needing to get out of bed. They also meet all safety standards.
The SnuzPod4 cot has a side which you can lower for the night. This crib comes with dual-view mesh windows and a zip-down wall that allows it to be used as a stand-alone unit for a good night's sleep. It also meets the new standard for cot safety and comes with a rocking feature which soothes babies to sleep.
Make sure that the crib has been cleaned thoroughly and is of the right size for your child. It should be at minimum 50cm deep to stop your child from getting out of the cot as they increase in height. Remove stickers and transfers that can fall off the cot's interior and could cause choking.
The cot should not be placed too close to the sun or radiator as babies can become overheated and are at a higher risk of SIDS. Blind cords should be removed as babies can get strangled by them. The cot should also be clear from duvets, pillows and other bedding that can cause the suffocation of a child.
It is also recommended to read the safety guidelines for cots before you purchase a cot for your baby. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust have lots of useful information and advice about safe baby sleep. You can also take part in an NCT New Baby Course to know more about safe sleep.
Design
Bedside cribs allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby. They are available in various styles. Some are bassinet-style and is attached to your bed so that you can easily lift your baby for a night feed or help soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of bed. Some are portable, like the Slumber 3-in-1, which is a convertible travel cot, cosleeper and playpen that can be used at home or when you are on the move.
It is crucial to keep in mind that, just like with all sleeping arrangements for your baby the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your baby is sleeping on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. When choosing a mattress for your baby's crib, ensure that it is firm and flat, and fits the cot snugly with no gaps. It is also recommended to 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 bassinet-style cots that attach to the sides of your bed. They have a removable or lowered side that allows you to reach your baby's neck to soothe them or feed them in the evening. They are also great for parents recovering from c-sections.
Portability
A crib for your bed is a great option to keep your baby close during the early months when night feeds and nappy changes are a regular. It allows you to attend to your baby's needs without having to move away from your bed, and also helps your baby build an intimate relationship with you. It can also help you get some sleep.
Most bedside cots are able to be moved around the room. They are great for small spaces and can be used as a standalone crib or a bedside cot that is attached to the side of your bed. Some are small enough to fit into your suitcase when you travel with your baby.
Some models come with an adjustable part that collapses, making it easier to carry your child out to to feed them at night or soothe him back to sleep. This is a great option for mothers who breastfeed and reduce the risk of suffocation. Most bedside cribs can be used for babies as young as six months. However, certain cribs can be used by older infants.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a great choice for parents who are new because it's secure, versatile and comes with a bag. It comes with a stay-in place connection system for attaching to your bed and comes with six height settings to suit your needs. It also has a drop-side to facilitate access, as well as an incline setting for infants with reflux or coughs.
It was easy to assemble, and it could be folded in a matter of seconds. This made it a perfect choice for travel. bedside baby sleeper said that it was sturdy, and while they did not like that it didn't rock, or provide extra features like the sound of lullabies, they also said that it made 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 child close to you, which is great for building an even stronger bond between you. It also comes with a useful storage space that can be used to store nappies as well as baby wipes and clothing which means you don't need to worry about leaving them unattended. However, our testers from parents did say that it was bulky when packed away and that they would struggle with it when they went up and down the stairs and down the stairs, which is something to be aware of when you reside in a house that has many steps.
Cost
Bedside cribs are the most secure alternative to co-sleeping. They can help your baby to gain independence by separating their sleep environment from yours. This is especially beneficial in the early months in which your baby will require frequent nappy and sleep changes. It is also a great solution for parents who have difficulty to bend down in order to pick up their newborn.
The majority of cots for bedside use can be connected to the main mattress and come with a comfortable mattress for your baby. You can add additional bedding, like a soft fitted sheet, to ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable at night. A soft mattress cover that is breathable will keep moisture off the mattress and decrease your baby's risk of SIDS or allergies.
A bedside crib's price can be different, but they are usually less than the cost of a full-size crib. These cribs are also ideal gifts for new parents. The Kinderkraft CoZee is a perfect example, offering great value for price. It can be used for an end-of-the-line crib or as a standalone bed. It also includes a breathable mattress and a stand. A fitted sheet is available to provide extra comfort and prevent stains.
A trusted brand like SnuzPod can provide an array of colors and fabrics to match your baby's nursery or bedroom. The base is cushioned to protect and provide support to your baby. Many cribs can be raised or lowered to fit the bed's height Some even have a gentle incline of reflux to aid your baby to sleep better.
You may be tempted to purchase a second-hand crib but it's essential that you purchase a brand new mattress. Mattresses that are second-hand or old may increase your baby's risk of SIDS, and they may not be as comfortable. It's also important to ensure that the mattress is fitted correctly - some cribs are designed to fit certain brands of mattresses only.
Another option is to get a cot that is suitable for your baby when they're older. These are more expensive but are a great investment in the safety and health of your child. They're also a great option when you're planning to have more than one baby.