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 safe cosleeping. It lets you view your baby and reach them for their night feedings without causing disturbance to them. It's also great for those suffering from reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your baby sleeps in a separate crib, cot or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib is a cost-effective and practical alternative to a larger crib.
Safety
Cots are safe and secure areas for babies to rest. They have high sides to keep babies from falling. They also have a solid head and footboard with shapes cut out to ensure babies do not get caught in. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges could pose a choking hazard.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that a baby should sleep in the same room with their parents for the first six months of their life but not in their bed due to the risk of suffocation. A bedside crib could be a great solution for parents who are struggling to resist the temptation of sharing their bed with a sleeping child. These cribs are specially designed to be affixed to the sides of a parent's bed so you can easily reach your child without stepping out of the bed, and they conform to all safety standards.
If you're looking to buy a cot with an option to drop down overnight, look for the SnuzPod4. The crib has a two-view mesh windows and a wall that can be lowered, allowing it to be used by itself to get a good night's sleep. It also complies with the latest cot safety standard and has the feature of rocking to soothe infants to sleep.
Check that the crib has been thoroughly cleaned and is the right size for your child. It should be at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out of the cot as they develop. Also, make sure to take away any stickers and transfer paper from the interior of the cot as they can fall off and create the risk of choking.
The cot shouldn't be too close to a radiator or sunny window as babies are susceptible to overheating and could be at a higher risk of developing SIDS. It should also be free of blind cords as babies are often trapped and strangled by the cords. The cot should also be free from pillows, duvets and other bedding that can cause suffocation.
You should also go through an article on safety in a cot before buying one for your baby. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust have lots of helpful information and tips on safe baby sleep. You can also participate in an NCT New Baby course to find out more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs let you co-sleep safely with your baby. They come in various styles. Some bassinets can be attached to your bed and allow you to raise your child to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep without getting out of bed. Some are portable, like the Slumber 3-in-1, a convertible travel cot, 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 back, regardless of the sleeping arrangement. This will help reduce the risk of SIDS. When choosing a crib mattress make sure it is firm and flat, and that it is able to fit snugly within the crib without gaps. It is also recommended to use an air-tight cover to shield your mattress from spills and accidents.
Celeb mums such as Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead are huge fans of bedside cribs. They are cots with a bassinet design that attach to the sides of your bed. They come with a removable or lowered side that allows you to reach your baby's neck to feed or soothe them at night. They are also ideal for parents who are recovering from C-sections.
Portability
A bedside crib allows you to keep your child close at all times, especially in the early months of life when night feedings and diaper changes are common. It allows you to attend to your baby's requirements without having to step away from your bed, and also helps your little one develop a strong bond with you. It can also help get you some restful sleep.
Most bedside cots are able to be moved around the room. They are ideal for small spaces and can be used as a stand-alone crib or attached to the bed's side. Some are even compact enough to fit inside 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 to to feed them at night or to soothe him back to sleep. This is a great feature for mothers who breastfeed and reduces the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most cribs that are bedside are suitable for infants as young as 6 months. However, certain cribs are suitable for older babies.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib is a great choice for new parents as it's versatile, safe and comes with a bag for travel. bedside cot 6 months plus features a stay-in-place connector system to attach to your bed and comes with six height settings to suit your requirements. It also features an open-side that allows for easy access and an incline option which is ideal for infants with reflux or coughs.
It was simple to put together and it could be folded in seconds. This made it a great option for travel. They also thought that it was durable and although they did point out that it didn't rock, or include extra features, such as songs, they did agree that it made an excellent travel cot.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another crib that we have shortlisted for our bedside, which our parents loved. Its unique design allows you to put your child close to you, which is great for building an even stronger bond between you. It also has a convenient storage space that can be used to store nappies diapers, baby wipes, and clothes, so you don't have to worry about leaving them alone. Our parents who tested it said it was heavy when it was packed away, and that they would struggle to carry it up and down the stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs can be a secure alternative to cosleeping. They can aid your child in developing independence by separating their sleeping environment from the one of you. This is especially useful during the early months as your baby will need night feeds and frequent changing of nappy. It's also a great solution for parents who have difficulty to bend down to pick up their newborn.
Most bedside cots are easily connected to your main mattress and will come with a breathable baby mattress. You can also add bedding, like sheets that are soft and fitted to ensure your baby is secure and comfortable at night. A comfortable, breathable cover will help keep the mattress dry which will reduce your baby's risk of SIDS and allergies.
The price of a bedside crib can vary, but most are smaller than a standard cot. They can also be a great gift for new parents. The Kinderkraft CoZee, for example, is an excellent value. It can be used as a bedside crib, standalone bed, and travel cot, and it includes a breathable mattress and the stand. A fitted sheet can be added for added comfort and to keep stains out.
SnuzPod is a well-known brand, has a wide range of fabrics and colors that can be matched to your baby's bedroom or nursery. They also have a padded base that can provide the necessary cushioning and support to your baby. A lot of cribs can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and some even have a gentle reflux incline to help your baby sleep better.
You might be tempted purchase a second-hand crib however, it is essential that you purchase a brand new mattress. Old or used mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS for your baby and aren't as supportive. It is important to ensure that the mattress fits properly Some cribs were made to be able to only fit certain brands.
Another option is to get an cot bed that will be suitable for your child when they're older. They can be more expensive but they're a great investment to ensure your child's safety and health. They're also a great choice for those who plan on having more than one baby.