Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. It allows you to be able to see and reach your baby during nighttime feeds without disturbing them. It is also ideal for those with reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your infant sleep in their own cot, crib or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib is a practical and cost-effective alternative to a large crib.
Safety
Cots offer an ensconced and safe place for babies to sleep. They are protected by high sides to prevent babies from falling out. They also have a solid head and footboard that has shapes cut out to ensure babies do not get caught in. Additionally, the cot should not be cluttered with soft toys, cot bumpers and wedges that can be a choking risk.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that a baby should be in the same room as their parents for the first six months of life but not in their bed due to the danger of being suffocated. However, many parents are unable to resist the urge to share their bed with a baby sleeping, so a bedside crib is a great alternative for safe and peaceful co-sleeping. These cribs can be attached to the headboard or side of a parent’s bed to let you reach your child without needing to get out of bed. They also meet all safety standards.
The SnuzPod4 crib has a side which you can lower for the night. The crib has a dual-view mesh windows as well as an easy-to-clean wall, allowing it to be used by itself to ensure a peaceful sleep. It also complies with the latest cot safety standard and has a rocking feature that soothes infants 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 least 50cm in depth to stop your child from leaving the cot as they increase in height. Remove any stickers or transfers that may be removed from the cot's interior and pose a choking risk.
The cot shouldn't be placed too close to the sunlight or radiator since babies can become overheated and are at risk of SIDS. Blind cords must be removed since babies can get trapped by cords. The cot should also be clear from pillows, duvets and other bedding, as they can lead to suffocation.
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 advice regarding safe sleeping for your baby. You can also attend a NCT New Baby Course to learn more about safe sleep.
Design
Bedside cribs are a great method to co-sleep safely with your baby. They are available in a variety of styles. bedside cot 6 months plus can be attached to your bed which allows you to lift your child up to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep, without having to get out of the bed. Some are portable, such as the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which transforms into a travel cot, 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 will help reduce the risk for SIDS. When selecting a mattress for your baby's crib, be sure it is firm and flat and fits snugly into the cot with no gaps. It is also recommended to use a breathable mattress cover to protect the mattress from spills and accidents.
Celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead are awestruck by bedside cribs, which are cots in the bassinet style that attach to the side of your bed. They have the option of lowering or taking off the side, allowing you to reach your baby to soothe or feed them at night. They are also great for parents recovering after C-sections.
Portability
A crib for your bed is a great option to keep your baby close during the first few months, when nappy and night feed changes are a regular. It allows you to attend to your baby's needs without having to get away from your bed, and also helps your little one establish a strong bond with you. It also allows you to get a good night's sleep.
The majority of bedside cots are portable, so you can move them around your room easily. They are ideal for small spaces and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the side of your bed. Some are small enough to fit into your suitcase when traveling with your child.
Certain models come with a collapsible face which makes it easier to lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or to soothe them to sleep. This can be useful for mothers who are breastfeeding and reduce the risk suffocation. The majority of cribs for bedside use can be used for babies from six months old. However, certain cribs can be used by older children.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib is a fantastic option for new parents as it is versatile, safe and comes with a bag for travel. It features a stay-in place connection system that can be attached to your bed, as well as six height settings that can be adjusted to suit your requirements. It also has a drop-side to make it easier to access, and an incline setting for infants who suffer from coughs or reflux.
Our testers were impressed that it was fast and easy to put together and that it can be folded away in just a few seconds and was a great choice for travelling. They also felt that it was strong and although they did point out that it didn't rock, or provide extra features like songs, they did agree that it was an excellent travel cot.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another selected bedside cot that our parents loved. Its unique design enables you to sleep your child close to you and is ideal for creating a stronger bond between you. It also has a convenient storage space that can be used to store nappies as well as baby wipes and clothing which means you don't need to be concerned about leaving them at home. Our parents who tested it said it was bulky when it was packed away, and they would have difficulty carrying it up and down the stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs are the safe alternative to co-sleeping and can aid your baby to develop independence by separating their sleeping environment from yours. bedside cots for newborns is particularly beneficial in the first few months of life in which your baby will require frequent nappy and sleep changes. It is also a great solution for parents who are unable to bend down to take their newborn baby in the arms.
Most bedside cots are easily connected to the main mattress and include a breathable mattress for your baby. You can add extra bedding, like a soft fitted bed sheet, to keep your baby snug and secure at night. A soft mattress cover that is breathable will keep the moisture off of the mattress, reducing your baby's chances of SIDS or allergies.
A bedside crib's price can be different, but they are generally less expensive than the cost of a larger crib. These cribs can also be an ideal gift for newly-wed parents. The CoZee from Kinderkraft is a great example, offering excellent value for money. It can be used as a bedside crib, a standalone bed, and travel cot, and it is equipped with a comfortable mattress and a stand. A fitted sheet is provided to provide extra comfort and protect against staining.
SnuzPod, a trusted brand, offers a variety of fabrics and colors that will complement the nursery or bedroom of your baby. The base is padded to cushion and provide support to your baby. A lot of cribs can be adjusted to the level of your mattress and some even have a gentle reflux angle to aid your child in sleeping better.
You may be tempted to purchase a second-hand crib however, it is essential that you purchase a brand new mattress. Mattresses that are used or old could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby, and may not be as comfortable. It's also important to ensure that the mattress is properly fitted - some cribs are designed to fit certain brands of mattresses only.
You can also buy 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. These are also a good option if you're planning to have more than one child.