Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is an accessory that can be secured to the bed's side. This allows for safe cosleeping. It allows you to see your baby and reach them for their night feedings without disturbing them. It is also perfect for those with reflux.
The NHS recommends that your child sleeps in a separate cot, Moses basket or crib for the first 6 months. A bedside crib is an economical and practical alternative to a full-size crib.
Safety
Cots offer a safe and secure space for babies to sleep. They are surrounded by high sides that prevent babies from falling out. The solid footboards and headboards are shaped to stop babies from becoming entangled. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges can pose a choking hazard.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies should not sleep in their parents' bed for the first six month of their lives due the possibility of suffocation. However, many parents find it hard to resist the urge to share their bed with a sleeping baby, so a bedside crib is a great choice to ensure a peaceful and safe co-sleeping. These cribs attach 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.
SnuzPod4 is a cot that features a side that you can lower to sleep in. This crib comes with a dual-view mesh window and a wall that can be lowered that allows it to be used on its own to get a good night's 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 of a suitable 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 grow. Also, make sure to remove any stickers or transfers from the inside of the cot, since they may peel off and present the risk of choking.
The cot shouldn't be too close to a sun or radiator as babies can become overheated and are at a higher risk of developing SIDS. Blind cords must be removed since babies can get strangled by cords. Duvets, pillows, and other bedding can cause suffocation for babies, which is why the cot should be devoid of these.
It's recommended to study a cot safety guide prior to purchasing your baby one. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust have lots of useful information and advice about safe baby sleep. You can also attend an NCT New Baby course to find out more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs are a fantastic way to safely co-sleep with your baby, and they are available in a variety of styles. Some are bassinet-style, which connects to your bed so you can easily lift your baby to night feed or soothe them to sleep without having to get out of your bed. Some are portable, such as the Slumber 3-in-1, which is a convertible travel cot that doubles as a cosleeper and playpen that could be used at home or when you are on the move.
The Lullaby Trust advises that your baby should sleep on their backs regardless of their sleeping arrangement. This can help lower the risk of SIDS. When choosing a crib mattress, ensure that it is firm and flat, and that it fits perfectly within the crib without gaps. It is also recommended that you use a mattress cover that is breathable to protect the mattress from spills and accidents.
Celebrity moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead love bedside cribs, which are bassinet-style cots which attach to the side of your bed. They have a removable or lowered side, allowing you to reach your baby to feed or soothe them at night. They are also great for parents recovering after C-sections.
Portability
A bedside crib is a great way to keep your baby close, particularly during the first few months, when night feeds and nappy changes are routine. It allows you to attend to your baby's requirements without having to step out of your own bed, and also helps your little one develop an intimate relationship with you. It can also help allow you to sleep more soundly.
Most bedside cots are able to be moved around the room. They are perfect for small spaces. They can be used as a crib that is attached to your bed or used as a stand alone crib. Some are even compact enough to fit in your suitcase if you're travelling with your infant.
Some models are equipped with a collapsible face that makes it simple to lift your baby towards you during night feeding or to soothe them to sleep. This is a great feature for breastfeeding mums, and it can reduce the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The majority of cribs in the bed are suitable for babies up to six months, although some are suitable for older infants.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib is an excellent choice for new parents as it is versatile, safe and comes with a travel bag. It has a stay-in-place connector system that attaches to your bed, as well as six height settings that can be adjusted to suit your requirements. It has a drop-side to allow easier access, as well as an incline setting for babies who suffer from coughs or reflux.
It was simple to put together and it could be folded in seconds. bedside travel crib made it a perfect option for travel. They also felt that it was sturdy and, while they did note that it didn't rock, or provide extra features like the sound of lullabies, they also said that it made an excellent travel cot.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another shortlisted bedside cot that our parents loved. Its unique design lets you to keep your baby close to you and is ideal for building an even stronger bond between you and your baby. It also has a convenient storage space, which can be used to store nappies, baby wipes and clothes which means you don't need to be concerned about leaving them at home. However, our parents who tested it did mention that it was a bit bulky when it was packed away and that they struggled with it up and down the steps which is something you should consider if you live in a house with many stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs can be a secure alternative to cosleeping. They can aid your child in developing independence by separating his or her sleeping environment from the one you share with them. This is especially beneficial in the first few months of life when your baby is likely to need night feeds and frequent diaper changes. It's also a great solution for parents who have trouble bending down to pick their baby up.
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, such as an incredibly soft fitted bed sheet to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable at night. A soft mattress cover with a breathable fabric will keep the moisture off of the mattress, reducing your baby's chances of SIDS or allergies.
The price of a bedside crib may differ, but it's typically less expensive than the price of a larger crib. They are also a great gift for parents who are expecting. The Kinderkraft CoZee, for example, is a great value. It can be used as an end-of-bed crib, standalone bed, or travel cot. It comes with a breathable mattress and a stand. A fitted sheet is available to add extra comfort and prevent staining.
A reputable brand like SnuzPod will offer a variety of fabrics and colors to match your baby's nursery or bedroom. They also offer a padded base to provide comfort and support for your baby. A lot of cribs can be adjusted to the height of your mattress, and some also have a slight angle of reflux to help your child sleep better.
It's tempting to purchase a used bedside crib. However, it is important that you purchase an entirely new mattress. Second-hand mattresses or ones that are used may increase the risk of your child developing SIDS, and they might not be as comfortable. It is essential to ensure that the mattress fits properly Some cribs were made to be able to only fit certain brands.
You can also get a cot-bed that grows with your child. They may be more expensive however they're an excellent investment for your child's safety as well as health. They're also a great option if you're planning on having more than one baby.