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 see your baby and reach them for their night feedings without disturbing them. It is also perfect 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 an affordable and practical alternative to a full-size cot.
Safety
Cots are secure and safe spaces for babies to sleep. They are built with high sides to stop babies from falling. They also have a sturdy head and footboard with shapes cut out to ensure babies cannot become entangled. Soft toys, cot bumpers and wedges can be dangers to children's health by choking.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies should not sleep in their parents' bed for the first six month of their lives due the danger of in suffocation. A bedside crib could be a great solution for parents who are struggling to resist the attraction of sharing their bed with a sleeping child. These cribs are designed to be affixed to the side 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 to sleep, you should look for the SnuzPod4. This crib comes with a two-view mesh windows and an easy-to-clean wall that allows it to be used by itself for a good sleep. It also complies with the latest standards for safety of cots and comes with a rocking feature that soothes babies to sleep.
Make sure that the cot has been thoroughly cleaned and is the right size for your child. It must be at least 50cm deep, to avoid your child from escaping as they develop. Remove stickers and transfers that could peel off the cot's interior and could cause choking.
The cot shouldn't be too close to a radiator or sunny window as babies can overheat and be at risk of developing SIDS. It should also be free from blind cords, as babies have been often caught and strangled in the cords. bedside cot reviews , pillows, and other bedding can cause suffocation for babies, which is why the cot should not be full of them.
It is also recommended to read a guide on cot safety before you purchase a cot for your baby. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and guidance on how to ensure your baby's safety while sleeping. You can also take part in an NCT New Baby course to learn more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep with your baby in a safe and secure way. They come in various styles. Some are bassinet-style, and attaches to your bed so you can easily lift your baby for a night feed or help soothe them back to sleep without getting out of the bed. Others are portable, like the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, that transforms into a travel cot, playpen, and co-sleeper to use at home or on the move.
The Lullaby Trust advises that your baby should be sleeping on their back, regardless of the sleeping arrangement. This can help reduce the risk for SIDS. When selecting a mattress to fit your baby's crib, ensure that it is flat and firm, and fits in the cot comfortably with no gaps. It is also recommended that you use a breathable mattress cover to protect the mattress from accidents and spills.
Celeb mums such as Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead are huge fans of bedside cribs. They are cots in the bassinet style that attach to the sides of your bed. They come with an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to be close to your baby for nighttime feeding or soothing. They are particularly useful for parents who have had c-sections recovering.
Portability
A bedside crib is a great way to keep your baby close during the first few months, when nappy changes and nighttime feeds changes are regular. It allows you to tend to your baby's needs without having to get out of your own bed, and helps your baby develop a strong bond with you. It also allows you to get some restful sleep yourself.
The majority of bedside cots can be moved around the room. They are great for smaller spaces. They can be used as a crib that's attached to your bed or used as an independent crib. Some are small enough to fit into your suitcase when traveling with your baby.
Some models are designed with a collapsible side which makes it easier to lift your baby out towards you for a night-time feeding or to soothe them to sleep. This is beneficial for mothers who are breastfeeding and reduces the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most bedside cribs are suitable for infants up to six months, although some are suitable for older children.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a great option for new parents as it's safe, flexible and comes with bags. 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 fit your needs. It has a drop-side to facilitate access, as well as an incline option for babies with reflux or coughs.
Our testers loved the fact that it was fast and easy to put together and that it folds away in seconds making it an ideal option for traveling. It was also durable and they appreciated that it didn't come with any extra features such as rocking or lullabies.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another crib that we have shortlisted for our bedside, which our 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 also has a handy storage space, which can be used for nappies as well as baby wipes and clothing and you don't have to worry about leaving them unattended. However, our parent testers were adamant that it was heavy when packed away and that they had difficulty with it up and down the stairs and down the stairs, which is something to think about if 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 sleeping environment from that of you. This is especially useful during the early months when your baby is likely to need night feeds and frequent diaper changes. It's also a great solution for parents who have trouble bending down to pick their child up.
Most bedside cots can be easily connected to your main mattress and will include a comfortable baby mattress. You can add extra bedding, such as a soft fitted bed sheet, to keep your baby secure and comfortable during the night. A soft mattress cover with a breathable fabric will keep moisture off the mattress and decrease the risk of developing SIDS or allergies.
A bedside crib's price can vary, but it is typically less expensive than the price of a full-size crib. They also make a fantastic gift for parents who are expecting. The CoZee by Kinderkraft, for example, is a great value. It can be used as an end-of-bed crib, standalone bed, and travel cot, and it is equipped with a comfortable mattress and the stand. A fitted sheet is provided to provide extra comfort and protect against stains.
SnuzPod, a reputable brand, offers a variety of colors and fabrics that can be matched to the nursery or bedroom of your baby. The base is padded to cushion and support your baby. A lot of cribs can be lowered or raised to fit the height of your bed and some have a gentle reflux incline to help your baby sleep better.
You might be tempted to purchase a second-hand crib for your bed, but it's important that you use a new mattress. Old or used mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS for your child and could not be as supportive. It is also essential to ensure that the mattress is fitted correctly Certain cribs are designed to fit specific brands of mattresses.
Another option is to get a cot bed that is suitable for your child when they're older. They may be more expensive, but they're a good investment for your child's safety and health. They're also a great option when you're planning to have more than one baby.