Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is an cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed to ensure your baby is safe while you sleep. It allows you to see your baby and reach them for night feedings without disturbing them. It is also perfect for those suffering from reflux.
The NHS recommends that your baby sleeps in a separate crib, Moses basket or crib for the first 6 months. A bedside crib can be an affordable and practical alternative to a full-size crib.
Safety
Cots are secure and safe spaces for babies to sleep. They are covered with high sides to stop babies from falling out. The footboards and headboards are shaped to keep babies from getting trapped. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges can pose a choking hazard.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies should not be sleeping in their parents' bed for the first six months of their life due to the possibility of suffocation. A bedside crib could be an ideal solution for parents who are unable to resist the desire to share their bed with a sleeping child. These cribs are designed to be affixed to the sides of a parent's bed so you can reach your baby easily without getting out of the bed, and they conform to all safety requirements.
The SnuzPod4 cot includes a side that which you can lower for the night. The crib has a dual-view mesh windows as well as an easy-to-clean wall which allows it to be used by itself for a good sleep. It also complies with the latest standard for cot safety and has a rocking function which soothes babies to sleep.
When selecting a cot, make sure it's been cleaned thoroughly and is the appropriate size for your child. It should be at least 50cm deep, to avoid your child from escaping as they develop. Also, make sure to remove stickers and transfers from the inside of the cot as these can peel off and create the risk of choking.
The cot shouldn't be too close to a radiator or sunny window as babies can overheat and be at a higher risk of developing SIDS. It must also be free of blind cords, since babies are reported to be entangled and strangled in these cords. Duvets, pillows, and other bedding can suffocate babies, which is why the cot should be free of them.
It is also recommended to read an article on safety in a cot before buying one for your baby. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and advice on how to ensure your baby's safety while sleeping. You can also attend an NCT New Baby course to find out more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby. They come in various designs. Some bassinets can be attached to your bed which allows you to raise your child to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep without getting out of bed. Others are portable, like the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which can be transformed into a travel cot, playpen, and co-sleeper to use at home or on the go.
It is vital to keep in mind that, as with all sleeping arrangements for your baby, the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your baby is sleeping on their back to help reduce the risk of SIDS. When selecting a mattress to fit your baby's crib, make sure it is flat and firm, and fits the cot snugly with no gaps. It is also recommended that you use a breathable mattress cover to shield the mattress from accidents and spills.
Celebrity moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead love bedside cribs, which are cots in the bassinet style that attach to the sides of your bed. They have a removable or drop down side that lets you reach your baby during the night for feeding or soothing, and are especially beneficial for parents who are recovering from c-sections.
Portability
A crib for your bed will allow you to keep your baby close to you at all times, particularly during the early months of life when night feedings and diaper changes are common. It allows you to tend to your baby's requirements without having to step from your bed, and it will help your child develop a strong bond with you. It also allows you to get some sleep.
Most bedside cots can be moved around the room. They are perfect for smaller areas. They can be used as a crib that is attached to your bed, or as a standalone crib. Some are small enough to fit in your suitcase when traveling with your child.
Some models have a collapsible part that makes it easier to lift your child out to to feed them at night, or to calm him back to sleep. This can be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers, and can reduce the risk suffocation. Most bedside cribs can be used by babies as young as six months. However, certain cribs are suitable for older babies.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib is a great choice for new parents because it's versatile, safe and comes with a travel bag. It has a stay-in-place connection system that can be attached to your bed and offers six height settings to suit your preferences. It also features a drop-side for easy access and an incline option, which is ideal for babies who suffer from coughs or reflux.
Our testers were impressed that it was quick and easy to assemble, and that it can be folded away in just a few seconds making it a great choice for travelling. It was also durable and they were pleased that it didn't come with any additional features, like lullabies or rocking.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another shortlisted bedside cot that our parents loved. Its unique design enables you to sleep with your baby close, which is great for building a stronger bond between you and your baby. It has a storage compartment that can be used to store wipes, clothes and nappies, so you won't worry about leaving them in the house. Our parents who tested it said it was heavy when packed away, and that they would have a difficult time carrying it up and down stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs in the UK are a most secure alternative to co-sleeping. They can aid your baby to grow up independently by separating their sleeping environment from yours. This is especially useful in the first few months of life when your baby will likely require night feedings and frequent nappy changes. It is also a great option for parents who have difficulty to bend down to pick up their newborn.
The majority of bedside cots can be connected to the main mattress, and include a breathable mattress for your baby. You can add additional bedding, like sheets that are soft and fitted to ensure your baby is secure and comfortable during the night. A soft, breathable cover can aid in keeping the mattress dry and lower the risk of SIDS and allergies.
The price of a bedside crib may be different, but they are generally less expensive than the cost of a larger crib. These cribs can also be a great gift for new parents. The CoZee from Kinderkraft is a fantastic example, providing excellent value for price. It can be used for a bedside crib or standalone bed. It also includes a breathable mattress and an adjustable stand. A fitted sheet can be added for added comfort and to stop stains from forming.
A trusted brand like SnuzPod can provide an array of fabrics and colors to complement your baby's nursery or bedroom. They also offer a padded base to provide the necessary cushioning and support to your baby. Many of these cribs can be adjusted to fit the height of your mattress and some even have a gentle angle to help your child sleep better.
You might be tempted purchase a second-hand crib for your bed, but it's important that you use a new mattress. Mattresses that are second-hand or old may increase the risk of your child developing SIDS, and they might not be as supportive. It's also important to make sure that the mattress is properly fitted Some cribs are made to fit specific brands of mattresses.
You can also buy a cot-bed that grows with your child. They can be more expensive however they're an excellent investment to ensure your child's safety and health. bedside cot mattress when you're planning to have more than one baby.