Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is an upholstered bassinet cot that is attached to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. It allows you to be able to see and reach your baby for nighttime feeds without disrupting them. It is also perfect for those who suffer from reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your baby sleeps in a separate cot, crib or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib can be an economical and practical alternative to a larger cot.
Safety
Cots are secure and safe areas for babies to rest. They are protected by high sides to stop babies from falling out. They also have a solid head and footboard that has shapes cut out to ensure babies aren't entangled. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges could pose a choking hazard.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies should not sleep in their parents' bed for the first six months of their lives due the possibility of in suffocation. 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 are specially designed to be affixed to the sides of the bed where you can reach your baby easily without getting out of the bed, and adhere to all safety standards.
The SnuzPod4 crib includes a side that you can lower to sleep in. This crib features dual-view mesh windows as well as a zip down wall that allows it to be used by itself to ensure a peaceful sleep. It also meets the new safety standards for cots and comes with a a rocking feature that soothes infants to sleep.
When selecting a cot, make sure it's been thoroughly cleaned and is of a suitable size for your child. It must be at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping as they grow. Take off any stickers and other transfers that could fall off the inside of your cot and pose a choking risk.
The cot should not be placed too close to the sunlight or radiator since babies are susceptible to overheating and could be at risk of developing SIDS. It must also be free of blind cords, as babies are reported to be caught and strangled in them. The crib should also be free 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 buying one for your baby. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and advice on safe baby sleeping. You can also take part in an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about safe sleep.
Design
Bedside cribs are a fantastic method to co-sleep safely with your baby. They come in many different styles. Some are bassinet-style and connects to your bed so you can easily lift your baby for a night feed or help soothe them to sleep without getting out of bed. Some are portable, such as the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, that transforms into a travel cot, playpen and co-sleeper for use at home or on the move.
It is vital to remember that, just like with all sleeping arrangements for your baby, the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your child sleeps on their backs to reduce the chance of SIDS. When selecting a crib mattress, ensure that it is flat and firm, and that it is able to fit snugly in the crib without gaps. It is also recommended to put on a mattress cover with breathable to protect the mattress from accidents and spills.
Celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead love bedside cribs, which are bassinet-style cots that attach to the sides of your bed. These cribs have a removable or lowered side so you can reach your baby's neck to feed or soothe them during the night. They are also great for parents recovering from C-sections.
Portability
A bedside crib is a great option to keep your baby close, particularly during the first few months, when night feeds and nappy changes are a regular. It allows you to attend to your baby's requirements without having to leave your bed. It can also help your child build an intimate connection with you. It also allows you to get a good night's sleep.
The majority of bedside cots are portable and can be moved them around your room easily. They are great for small areas. They can be used as a crib attached to your bed, or as a stand alone crib. Some are even compact enough to fit in your suitcase when you travel with your infant.
Some models come with a collapsible part that makes it easier to carry your child to to feed them at night, or to help him sleep. This can be helpful for mothers who breastfeed and can help reduce the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most bedside cribs are suitable for babies from to six months old, but some are suitable for older children.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib is an excellent choice for new parents as it's safe, versatile and comes with a bag for travel. It features a stay-in-place connector system to attach to your bed and comes with six height settings to suit your preferences. It also has a drop-side to facilitate access, as well as an incline option for babies with coughs or reflux.
It was simple to put together and can be folded in just a few seconds. This made it a perfect option for travel. It was also sturdy and they appreciated that it didn't come with any extra features like rocking or lullabies.
Chicco Next2me Magic was another bedside cot we picked that parents loved. Its unique design allows you to sleep your child close to you. This is great for enhancing the bond between you and your baby. It has a storage compartment that can be used to store your baby's clothes, wipes and nappies so that you won't have any worries about leaving the items in the house. However, our parent testers did mention that it was heavy when packed away and that they had difficulty to carry it up and down the steps, which is something to be aware of if you reside in a house that has lots of stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs in the UK are a safest alternative to co-sleeping. They can help your baby to develop independence by separating their sleeping environment from yours. This is especially beneficial in the first few months of life when your baby might require frequent nappy and sleep changes. It's also a great solution for parents who have trouble bending down to pick their baby up.
The majority of bedside cots can be easily attached to your mattress and come with a breathable baby mattress. You can add additional bedding, such as a soft fitted sheet, to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable during the night. A comfortable, breathable cover will help to keep moisture away from the mattress which will reduce your baby's chance of suffering from SIDS and allergic.
The price of a bedside cot can vary, but the majority are less expensive than a full-size cot. These cribs can also be ideal gifts for new parents. The CoZee from Kinderkraft is a great example, offering excellent value for price. It can be used for a bedside crib or standalone bed. It also includes a breathable bed and an adjustable stand. A fitted sheet is available to provide extra comfort and stop stains from forming.
A reputable brand such as SnuzPod offers a variety of fabrics and colors to complement your baby's nursery or bedroom. They also have a cushioned base that can provide the necessary cushioning and support to your baby. Many cribs can be raised or lowered to match the height of your bed and some have a slight incline for reflux to aid your baby to sleep better.
You might be tempted to purchase a second-hand crib for your bed but it's essential that you purchase a brand new mattress. Old or used mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS for your child and could not be as comfortable. It is essential to ensure that the mattress is fitted correctly Certain cribs were created to fit only specific brands.
Another option is to buy a cot that is suitable for your child when they're older. bedside travel crib are more expensive but are a great investment for the safety and health of your child. They're also a great choice if you plan to have more than one child.