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 lets you see your baby and reach them for their night feedings without disturbing 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 6 months. A bedside crib can be a more economical and practical alternative to a full size cot.
Safety
Cots are safe and secure spaces for babies to sleep. They feature high sides to stop babies from falling. The footboards and headboards are shaped to prevent babies from becoming entangled. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges can be 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 life but not in their bed due to the risk of being suffocated. However, 4-in-1 bedside crib struggle to resist the temptation to share their bed with a baby sleeping so a crib for bedside is a great alternative for safe and peaceful co-sleeping. These cribs are attached to the side or headboard of the bed of the parent to allow you to reach your child without having to get out of bed. They also meet all safety standards.
The SnuzPod4 crib features a side that which you can lower for the night. This crib has dual-view mesh windows as well as a zip-down wall that allows it to be used as a stand-alone unit to ensure a restful night's sleep. It also meets the new standard for safety in cots and has a an incline feature that helps soothe infants to sleep.
Make sure the crib has been thoroughly cleaned and is of the right size for your child. It must be at least 50cm deep, to avoid your child from climbing out as they grow. Also, be sure to remove stickers and transfers from the interior of the cot, since they can fall off and present an choking risk.
The cot should not be too close to the sun or radiator as babies can become overheated and are at a higher risk of SIDS. It must also be free of blind cords as babies have been known to get caught and strangled in the cords. Duvets, pillows, and other bedding can suffocate babies, so the cot should be devoid of them.
You should also read the safety guidelines for cots before buying one for your baby. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and advice regarding safe sleeping for your baby. You can also take part in an NCT New Baby course to find out more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs are an excellent option to sleep in a safe environment with your infant, and they are available in a variety of designs. 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 having to get out of your bed. Some are portable, such as the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which transforms into an cot for travel, a playpen, and co-sleeper to use at home or on the move.
It is vital to keep in mind that, as with all sleeping arrangements for your baby the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your baby is sleeping on their backs to reduce the chance of SIDS. When choosing a mattress for your baby's crib, ensure that it's firm and flat and fits in the cot comfortably with no gaps. Also, you should consider putting on a waterproof cover to shield your mattress from spills and accidents.
Bedside cribs are bassinets that attach to the sides of your mattress. Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and others love them. These cribs have a removable or lowered side that allows you to touch your baby's face to soothe or feed them in the evening. They are also great for parents who are recovering from C-sections.
Portability
A bedside crib is a great option to keep your baby close, particularly in the first few months of life when nappy changes and nighttime feeds changes are regular. It lets you attend to your baby's requirements without having to step from your bed, and helps your baby develop a strong bond with you. It also helps ensure that you get a good night's sleep.
Most bedside cots can be moved, so you can move them around the room with ease. They are ideal for small spaces and can be used as a standalone crib or a bedside cot that is attached to the side of your bed. Some are small enough to fit in your luggage when traveling with your baby.
Some models come with an element that can be collapsed, making it easier to lift your child out to you to feed them at night, or to soothe him back to sleep. This can be helpful for mothers who breastfeed, and it can reduce the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most bedside cribs are suitable for infants up to six months old, but some are suitable for older babies.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a great option for parents who are new because it's safe, flexible and comes with a bag. It comes with a stay-in-place connection system that can be attached to your bed and six height settings that can be adjusted to suit your requirements. It also has an easy-access drop-side and an incline option which is perfect for newborns with reflux or coughs.
Our testers loved the fact that it was fast and easy to put together and that it can be folded away in seconds, which made it an ideal choice for travel. It was also sturdy, and they appreciated the fact that it didn't include additional features, like rocking or lullabies.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another crib that we have shortlisted for our bedside, which our parents loved. Its unique design allows you to sleep your child close to you. This helps to strengthen the bond between you and your baby. It also has a handy storage space, which can be used to store nappies as well as baby wipes and clothing, so you don't have to worry about leaving them alone. However, our parents who tested it were adamant that it was bulky when it was packed away and that they would struggle with it up and down the steps, which is something to think about when you live in a house with many stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs are a safe alternative to cosleeping. They can help your child gain independence by separating his or her sleep environment from the one of you. This is especially useful in the first few months of life when your baby is likely to need night feeds and frequent changing of nappy. It's also a great option for parents who are having difficulty getting their baby up.
The majority of cots for bedside use can be attached to the main mattress and include a breathable mattress for your baby. You can also add bedding, such as an incredibly soft fitted bed sheet, to keep your baby safe and comfortable at night. A soft, breathable cover will aid in keeping the mattress dry, which can lower the risk of SIDS and allergies.
The cost of a bedside crib can differ, but they are generally smaller than a standard cot. They also make a fantastic present for the new parents. The CoZee from Kinderkraft is a great example, offering excellent value for price. It can be used as a bedside crib, standalone bed, or travel cot, and it is equipped with a comfortable mattress and the stand. A fitted sheet is provided to provide extra comfort and prevent stains.
A reputable brand like SnuzPod offers a variety of colors and fabrics that will fit your baby's nursery bedroom. They also have a cushioned base to provide the necessary cushioning and support to your baby. A majority of cribs can be adjusted to the height of your mattress and some also have a slight angle of reflux to aid your child in sleeping better.
It's tempting to purchase an old crib for your bed. But, it's essential to purchase a new mattress. Old or used mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS for your baby and aren't as supportive. It's also important to make sure that the mattress is properly fitted Certain cribs are designed to fit specific brands of mattresses.
Another option is to purchase a cot bed that is suitable for your baby when they're older. These are more expensive, but are a great investment in the health and safety of your child. They're also a great option if you're planning on have more than one child.