Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. It allows you to see and reach your baby for night feeds without having to disturb them. It is also ideal for those suffering from reflux.
The NHS recommends that your baby sleeps in a separate cot, Moses basket or crib for the first six months. A bedside crib is a more economical and practical alternative to a full size cot.
Safety
Cots are secure and safe areas for babies to rest. They are protected by high sides to stop babies from falling out. The solid head and footboards are shaped to prevent babies from becoming caught in. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges can be the risk of choking.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies should not be sleeping in their parents' beds for the first six months of their lives due to the risk in suffocation. Many parents find it hard to resist the urge to share their bed with a baby sleeping, so a bedside crib is a great choice to ensure a peaceful and safe co-sleeping. These cribs are attached to the headboard or side of the bed of the parent to let you reach your child without needing to get out of bed. They also meet all safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib with a side that can drop down to sleep, you should look for the SnuzPod4. This crib comes with dual-view mesh windows and the ability to zip down the wall, which allows it to be used on its own for a good night's sleep. It also meets the new standards for safety of cots and has a rocking function that soothes babies to sleep.
When choosing a cot, make sure it's been cleaned thoroughly and is the appropriate size for your child. It should be at minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from getting out of the cot as they develop. Also, make sure to remove any stickers or transfers from the inside of the cot as they may peel off and pose the risk of choking.
The cot shouldn't be placed too close to a radiator or bright window, as babies are at greater risk of SIDS due to overheating. It must also be free of blind cords as babies have been often entangled and strangled in these cords. Duvets, pillows and other bedding can suffocate infants, so the cot should not be full of them.
You should also go through a guide on cot safety before buying one for your baby. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust have lots of useful information and advice about sleeping safely for your baby. You can also attend an NCT New Baby course to learn more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs are a fantastic way to safely co-sleep with your baby, and they come in many different styles. Some bassinets are attached to your bed and allow you to lift your child up to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep, without having to get out of 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 can be used at home or when you are on the move.
It is important to keep in mind that, as 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 be sure that it is flat and firm and fits perfectly into the crib without any gaps. Also, you should consider putting on a waterproof cover to shield your mattress from spills or accidents.
Celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead love bedside cribs, which are cots in the bassinet style that are attached 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 from c-sections.
Portability
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your child close to you at all times, particularly during the beginning of their life when nighttime feedings and diaper changes are frequent. It lets you attend to your baby's needs without having to get out of your own bed, and will help your child develop a strong bond with you. It can also help you get a good night's sleep.
Most bedside cots can be moved around the room. They are perfect for small spaces and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the side of your bed. Some are even compact enough to fit inside your suitcase if you're travelling with your baby.
Certain models come with a collapsible face, which makes it easy to carry your baby towards you for a night-time feeding or to soothe them to sleep. This can be beneficial for mothers who breastfeed, and can reduce the chance of suffocation. Most cribs that are bedside can be used by babies as young as 6 months. However, some cribs can be used for older infants.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a fantastic choice for new parents as it's safe, versatile and comes with a bag. It comes with a stay-in-place connector system that attaches to your bed, as well as six height settings that can be adjusted to meet your requirements. It also has an easy-access drop-side and an incline option which is ideal for babies who suffer from coughs or reflux.
It was simple to put together and could be folded in seconds. This made it a perfect option for traveling. They also thought that it was strong and although they did point out that it did not rock or provide extra features like songs, they did agree that it made for an excellent travel cot.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another shortlisted bedside cot that our parents loved. bedside crib and cot enables you to put your baby close to you and is ideal for creating bonds between you. It also has a handy storage space, which can be used to store nappies as well as baby wipes and clothing which means you don't need to worry about leaving them unattended. Our parent testers said that it was heavy when packed 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 their sleep space from the one you share with them. This is especially beneficial in the early months, when your baby may require frequent nappy and sleep changes. It is also a great solution for parents who find it difficult to bend down to pick up their infant.
Most bedside cots are easily attached to the main mattress and come with a breathable mattress for your baby. You can add additional bedding, including a soft fitted sheet to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable at night. A comfortable mattress cover with a breathable fabric will keep the moisture off of the mattress, reducing the risk 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 can also be a great gift for parents who are expecting. The Kinderkraft CoZee is a great example, offering excellent value for money. It can be used as a bedside crib or standalone bed. It also includes a breathable mattress and a stand. A fitted sheet is available to provide extra comfort and protect against stains.
A reputable brand such as SnuzPod offers an array of colors and fabrics to complement your baby's nursery or bedroom. They also have a padded base that provides the necessary cushioning and support to your baby. A lot of cribs can be adjusted to fit the height of your mattress and some also have a slight angle to assist your child to sleep better.
You may be tempted to purchase a second-hand crib however, it is essential that you purchase a brand new mattress. bedside cots for newborns or second-hand mattresses can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, and they might not be as dependable. It is also essential to ensure that the mattress fits correctly - some cribs are designed to fit certain brands of mattresses only.
You can also purchase a cot-bed that will grow with your child. These can be a bit more expensive, but they're a good investment to ensure your child's safety and health. They're also a good option if you're planning on have more than one child.