Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is an upholstered bassinet cot that is attached to the side of your bed to ensure your baby is safe while you sleep. It lets you view your baby and reach them for night feedings without disturbing them. It is also ideal for those with reflux.
The NHS suggests that your baby sleeps in a separate cot, Moses basket or crib for the first six month. A bedside crib is a practical and affordable alternative to a larger cot.
Safety
Cots provide a safe and secure place for babies to sleep. They are protected by high sides to prevent babies from falling out. They also have a sturdy head and footboard with shapes cut out so that babies aren't entangled. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges could pose the risk of choking.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that a baby should be in the same room with their parents for the first six months of their life but not in their bed due to the danger of being suffocated. Many parents are unable to resist the temptation to share their bed with a baby sleeping, so a bedside crib is a great option to ensure a peaceful and safe co-sleeping. These cribs attach to the side or headboard of a parent’s bed to let you reach your child without having to leave the bed. They also meet all safety standards.
If you're looking to buy a cot with a side that can drop down to sleep, you should look for the SnuzPod4. This crib features dual-view mesh window and a zip down wall, allowing it to be used as a standalone unit to ensure a peaceful sleep. It also complies with the latest cot safety standard and has an incline feature that helps soothe infants to sleep.
When you are choosing 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, to avoid your baby from climbing out as they increase in height. Remove any stickers or transfers that could peel off the cot's interior and pose a choking risk.
The cot should not be too close to a sun or radiator as babies are susceptible to overheating and could be at an increased risk of developing SIDS. Blind cords must be removed as babies can be trapped by cords. Duvets, pillows, and other bedding can cause suffocation for babies, which is why the cot should not be full of them.
It's recommended to read a cot safety guide before purchasing your baby one. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and tips regarding safe sleeping for your baby. You can also attend an NCT New Baby course to learn more about sleeping safely.
Design
Bedside cribs are an excellent option to sleep in a safe environment with your infant, and they come in many different styles. Some are bassinet-style and connects to your bed so you can easily lift your baby to feed them at night or put 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 for use at home or on the move.
It is vital to keep in mind that, as with any sleeping arrangement for your baby, the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your child sleeps on their backs in order to reduce the chance of SIDS. When choosing a mattress for your baby's crib, ensure that it is flat and firm and fits snugly into the cot without gaps. Also, you should consider putting on an air-tight cover to shield your mattress from spills or accidents.
Celeb mums such as Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead love bedside cribs, which are cots in the bassinet style that are attached to the sides of your bed. They come with an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby for night feeding or soothing. They are especially beneficial for parents who are recovering from c-sections.
Portability
A bedside crib is a great option to keep your baby close, especially during the early months when night feeds and nappy changes are a regular. It lets you attend to your baby's needs without having to get from your bed, and will help your child establish an intimate relationship with you. It can also help to get you some restful sleep.
Most bedside cots are able to be moved around the room. They are great for smaller spaces. bedside crib and travel cot can be used as a crib that is attached to your bed or as an independent crib. Some are small enough to fit in your suitcase when traveling with your baby.
Some models are equipped with a collapsible side that makes it simple to carry your baby towards you for night feeding or to soothe them to 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 is a fantastic choice for new parents because it's safe, flexible and comes with bags. It has a stay-in-place connection system to attach to your bed and six height settings that can be adjusted to meet your needs. It also has a drop-side for easy access and an incline option which is ideal for babies who suffer from coughs or reflux.
It was simple to put together, and it could be folded in a matter of seconds. This made it an excellent option for traveling. It was also durable and they were pleased the fact that it didn't include additional features, like rocking or lullabies.
Chicco Next2me Magic was another bedside cot on our shortlist that parents loved. Its unique design lets you to keep your child close to you. This helps to strengthen the bond between you and your baby. It has a storage area that can be used to store wipes, clothes, and nappies so you don't have to worry about leaving them in the house. However, our parents who tested it were adamant that it was a bit bulky when packed away and that they had difficulty with it up and down the stairs, which is something to consider for those who reside in a house that has lots of steps.
Cost
Bedside cribs are the most secure alternative to co-sleeping. They can help your baby to gain independence by separating their bedroom from yours. This is particularly beneficial in the early months when your baby might require frequent nappy and sleep changes. It's also a great choice for parents who struggle bending down to pick their child up.
Most bedside cots are easily affixed to your main mattress and have a comfortable baby mattress. You can add additional bedding, like an incredibly soft fitted bed sheet, to keep your baby secure and comfortable during the night. A soft, breathable cover can aid in keeping moisture away from the mattress, which can lower the risk of SIDS and allergies.
The price of a bedside crib may differ, but they are generally less expensive than a full-size cot. They also make a fantastic gift for new parents. The CoZee from Kinderkraft for instance, is an excellent value. It can be used as a bedside crib or standalone bed. It also includes a breathable bed and an adjustable stand. A fitted sheet is included to increase comfort and to prevent the accumulation of stains.
A trusted brand like SnuzPod will offer an array of colors and fabrics that will match your baby's nursery or bedroom. The base is cushioned to protect and support your baby. A lot of cribs can be adjusted to the height of your mattress and some even have a gentle angle to help your child sleep better.
It's tempting to buy a used bedside crib. However, it's crucial to buy new mattresses. Old or used mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS in your baby and could not be as supportive. It is also essential to ensure that the mattress fits correctly Certain cribs are designed to fit certain brands of mattresses only.
Another option is to purchase an cot bed that is suitable for your baby as they grow older. These are more expensive, but are a great investment for the health and safety of your child. They're also a great option when you're planning to have more than one baby.
