Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is an upholstered bassinet cot that is attached to the bed's side to ensure your baby is safe while you sleep. It lets you view your baby and reach them for their night feedings without disturbing them. It's also great for those who have reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your baby sleeps in a separate cot, crib or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib is a cost-effective and practical alternative to a large crib.
Safety
Cots offer an ensconced and safe place for babies to sleep. They are covered with high sides to prevent babies from falling out. The footboards and headboards have a shape cut into them to stop babies from becoming entangled. Additionally the cot should not be cluttered with soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges that could pose a choking risk.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that a baby should sleep in the same room with their parents for the first six months of life but not in their bed due to the risk of suffocation. Many parents are unable to resist the temptation to share their bed with a baby sleeping so a crib for bedside is a great alternative to ensure a peaceful and safe co-sleeping. These cribs can be attached to the side or headboard of the bed of the parent to allow you to reach your child without having to get out of bed. They also meet all safety standards.
If you're looking to buy a cot with an option to drop down for the night, consider the SnuzPod4. The crib has a dual-view mesh window and a zip down wall that allows it to be used as a standalone unit to get a good night's sleep. It also meets the new standards for safety of cots and features a rocking function that helps babies sleep.
Check that the crib has been thoroughly cleaned and is the right size for your child. It should be at least 50cm deep in order to prevent your child from climbing out of the cot as they increase in height. Take off any stickers and other transfers that could fall off the inside of your cot and pose a choking risk.
The cot shouldn't be placed too close to a radiator or sunny window, as babies are at greater risk of SIDS due to overheating. Blind cords should be taken off as babies could get caught in cords. Duvets, pillows and other bedding can suffocate babies, which is why the cot should not be full of these.
It's also a good idea to go through a safety guide for cots before purchasing your baby a. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust have lots of helpful information and tips on safe sleep for babies. You can also attend a NCT New Baby Course to learn more about safe sleep.
Design
Bedside cribs are an excellent method to co-sleep safely with your infant, and they are available in a variety of styles. Some bassinets attach to your bed which allows you to lift your child up to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep without getting out of bed. Some are portable, like the Slumber 3-in-1, which is a convertible travel cot, a cosleeper and playpen that can be utilized at home or while on the go.
The Lullaby Trust advises that your baby should be sleeping on their back, regardless of the sleeping arrangement. This will help to reduce the risk of SIDS. When choosing a mattress for your crib be sure that it is flat and firm, and that it fits snugly into the crib without any gaps. It is also recommended to use a breathable mattress cover to protect the mattress from accidents and spills.
Bedside cribs are bassinets that sit on the side of your mattress. Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead, and many other famous faces love them. They have a drop-down or removable side that lets you reach your baby for night feeding or soothing, and are especially beneficial for parents who are recovering from c-sections.
Portability
A bedside crib is a great way to keep your baby close, especially during the early months when nappy changes and nighttime feeds changes are routine. It allows you to be attentive to your baby's needs without leaving your bed. It also helps your child develop a strong relationship with you. It can also help allow you to sleep more soundly.
Most bedside cots can be moved around the room. They are great for smaller spaces. They can be used as a crib that is attached to your bed or as an independent crib. Some are even small enough to fit into your suitcase if you're travelling with your child.
Some models come with an adjustable part that collapses, making it easier to lift your child up to to feed them at night or to help him sleep. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers and can lower the risk of suffocation. Most bedside cribs 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 an excellent choice for new parents because it is versatile, safe and comes with a bag for travel. It comes with a stay-in place connection system to attach to your bed and offers six height settings to meet your needs. It also features an open-side that allows for easy access and an incline option which is ideal for infants with reflux or coughs.
Our testers were impressed that it was fast and easy to put together and that it folds away in just a few seconds, which made it an ideal option for traveling. It was also sturdy and they appreciated the fact that it didn't include extra features like lullabies or rocking.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another shortlisted bedside cot that our parents loved. Its unique design lets you to keep your child close to you. This is great for strengthening the bond between you and your child. It also comes with a useful storage area that can be used for nappies diapers, baby wipes, and clothes, so you don't have to be concerned about leaving them at home. Our parent testers reported that it was heavy when it was put away, and they would struggle to carry it up and down stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs can be a secure alternative to cosleeping. They can help your child gain independence by separating his or her sleep environment from that of you. This is especially beneficial in the beginning of the year when your baby is likely to require night feedings and frequent nappy changes. It is also a great solution for parents who have difficulty to bend down in order to pick up their infant.
The majority of bedside cots can be easily attached to your main mattress and will come with a breathable baby mattress. You can add additional bedding, such as a soft fitted sheet, to ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable at night. A soft, breathable mattress cover will keep the moisture off of the mattress and reduce the risk of suffering from SIDS or allergies.
The cost of a bedside crib can differ, but they are generally smaller than a standard cot. They also make a fantastic gift for new parents. The CoZee from Kinderkraft for instance, is a great value. It can be used as an in-bed crib or a standalone bed. It also includes a breathable bed and a stand. A fitted sheet is available to provide extra comfort and prevent stains.
A trusted brand like SnuzPod can provide a variety of fabrics and colors to match your baby's nursery or bedroom. The base is cushioned to protect and provide support to your baby. Many cribs can be adjusted to match the height of your bed and some have a gentle reflux incline to help your baby sleep better.
You might be tempted purchase a second-hand crib for your bed but it's essential that you purchase a brand new mattress. Used or worn-out mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS for your child and could not be as supportive. Cots For Tots 's also important to make sure that the mattress fits correctly - some cribs are designed to fit certain brands of mattresses only.
Another option is to buy a cot that will be suitable for your baby as they grow older. These are more expensive, but are a great investment for the safety and health of your child. They're also a great option for those who plan on having more than one baby.