Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the bed's side to allow safe co-sleeping. It lets you see your baby and reach them for night feedings without causing disturbance to them. It is also perfect for those with reflux.
The NHS recommends that your baby sleeps in a separate crib, Moses basket or crib for the first six months. A bedside crib can be a more affordable and practical alternative to a larger cot.
Safety
Cots offer a safe and secure place for babies to sleep. They have high sides to stop babies from falling. The solid head and footboards have shapes cut into them to keep babies from getting trapped. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges can pose the risk of choking.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that a baby should be in the same space as their parents for the first six months of their life but not in their bed due to the risk of the danger of suffocation. Many parents are unable to resist the urge to share their bed with a baby sleeping, so a bedside crib is a great alternative to ensure a peaceful and safe co-sleeping. These cribs can be attached to the headboard or side 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.
If you're looking to buy a cot with a side that can drop down for the night, consider the SnuzPod4. This crib has dual-view mesh windows as well as an adjustable wall that can be lowered to allow it to be utilized on its own for a peaceful night's rest. It also complies with the latest standards for safety of cots and features a rocking function that helps babies sleep.
Make sure that the cot has been thoroughly cleaned and is of the right size for your child. It should be at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out as they increase in height. Also, make sure to remove any stickers or transfers from the inside of the cot as they may peel off and present a choking hazard.
The cot shouldn't be placed too close to the sunlight or radiator since babies can overheat and be at risk of developing SIDS. It must also be free of blind cords, since babies have been often entangled and strangled in them. Duvets, pillows and other beddings can choke babies, which is why the cot should not be full of them.
It is also recommended to read a guide on cot safety before purchasing a cot for your baby. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust have lots of useful information and advice about safe baby sleep. You can also attend a NCT New Baby Course to learn more about safe sleep.
Design
Bedside cribs are a great method to co-sleep safely with your baby, and they are available in a variety of designs. Some are bassinet-style, which is attached to your bed so that you can easily lift your baby up for a night feed or help soothe them to sleep without getting out of the bed. Some are portable, like the Slumber 3-in-1, which is a convertible travel cot, cosleeper and playpen that could be used at home or on-the-go.
It is important to keep in mind that, as with any sleeping arrangement for your baby the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your child sleeps on their back to help reduce the risk of SIDS. When choosing a mattress for your crib make sure it is firm and flat and fits snugly within the crib without gaps. It is also recommended to put on a mattress cover with breathable to protect the mattress from spills and accidents.
Celebrity moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead love bedside cribs, which are cots in the bassinet style that are attached to the sides of your bed. These cribs have the option of lowering or taking off the side so you can reach your baby's neck to feed or soothe them during the night. They are also great for parents recovering from C-sections.
Portability
A crib for your bed will allow you to keep your child close at all times, particularly during the beginning of their life when nighttime feedings and diaper changes are common. It lets you attend to your baby's requirements without having to leave your bed. It also helps your child establish a close connection with you. It can also help to allow you to sleep more soundly.
The majority of bedside cots are portable and can be moved them around the room easily. They are perfect for smaller spaces. They can be used as a crib that is attached to your bed or as a standalone crib. Some are even compact enough to fit inside your luggage if you're traveling with your baby.
Some models are equipped with a collapsible side, which makes it easy to lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or to soothe them to sleep. This can be helpful for breastfeeding mums and reduces the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most bedside cribs are suitable for babies from to six months old, but some are suitable for older babies.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a great choice for parents who are new because it's safe, versatile and comes with bags. It comes with a stay-in place connection system that can be attached to your bed, and has six height options to suit your preferences. It has a drop-side to allow easier access, and an incline option for babies with coughs or reflux.
It was easy to assemble and it can be folded in just a few seconds. This made it an excellent option for traveling. They also said that it was sturdy, and while they did not like that it didn't rock or provide extra features like lullabies, they did say that it made for 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 enables you to put your baby close to you, which is great for creating bonds between you and your baby. It also has a convenient storage area that can be used to store nappies diapers, baby wipes, and clothes which means you don't need to be concerned about leaving them at home. Our parent testers reported that it was bulky when it was put away, and they would have a difficult time carrying it up and down stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs can be a secure alternative to cosleeping. They can help your child develop independence by separating their sleeping environment from the one you share with them. This is particularly beneficial in the first few months of life as your baby will require night feedings and frequent changing of nappy. It's also a great solution for parents who are having difficulty reaching down to pick their baby up.
Most bedside cots can be easily attached to your main mattress and will include a comfortable baby mattress. You can also add bedding, such as an incredibly soft fitted bed sheet, to keep your baby safe and comfortable at night. A comfortable, breathable cover will help to keep moisture from the mattress which will lower the chance of suffering from SIDS and allergic.
The price of a bedside crib may vary, but the majority are smaller than a standard cot. These cribs can also be ideal gifts for new parents. The Kinderkraft CoZee is a fantastic example, providing excellent value for price. It can be used as an end-of-bed crib, standalone bed, or travel cot, and it comes with a breathable mattress and an adjustable stand. A fitted sheet is available for extra comfort and to prevent stains.
A reputable brand like SnuzPod offers an array of fabrics and colors to complement your baby's nursery or bedroom. They also offer a padded base that provides comfort and support for your baby. Many cribs can be adjusted to suit the bed's height and some have a slight incline for reflux to aid your baby in sleeping better.
You might be tempted purchase a second-hand crib however, it is essential that you use a new mattress. Mattresses that are second-hand or old may increase the risk of your child developing SIDS, and they might not be as comfortable. It's also important to ensure that the mattress is properly fitted Certain cribs are designed to fit certain brands of mattresses only.
bedside crib and travel cot can also purchase a cot-bed that grows with your child. They're more expensive, but are a great investment in the health and safety of your child. They're also a good option if you're planning to have more than one child.