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 for safe co-sleeping. bedside cot 6 months plus lets you view and reach your baby for night feeds without having to disturb them. It is also perfect for those who have reflux.
The NHS recommends that your baby sleeps in a separate cot Moses basket or crib for the first six month. A bedside crib can be a more economical and practical alternative to a full-size crib.
Safety
Cots are secure and safe areas for babies to rest. They are covered with high sides to prevent babies from falling out. They also have a sturdy head and footboard that has shapes cut out to ensure that babies aren't entangled. Additionally, the crib should be free of soft toys, cot bumpers and wedges that could pose an choking hazard.
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 find it hard to resist the temptation to share their bed with a baby who is sleeping and a crib that is placed at the bedside is a great alternative for safe and peaceful co-sleeping. These cribs can be attached to the headboard or side of the bed of the parent so that you can reach your child without having to leave the bed. They also meet all safety standards.
The SnuzPod4 crib includes a side that which you can lower for the night. The crib features 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 good night's sleep. It also complies with the latest standard for cot safety and has a rocking function which soothes babies to sleep.
When you are choosing a cot ensure that it has been thoroughly cleaned and is of a suitable size for your child. It should be at a minimum of 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out as they develop. Take off any stickers and other transfers that can be removed from the inside of your cot and create a risk of choking.
The cot should not be placed too close to the sun or radiator as babies can overheat and be at an increased risk of SIDS. Blind cords should be taken off as babies could be caught in cords. Duvets, pillows, and other beddings can choke infants, so the cot should not be full of them.
It's also a good idea to go through a safety guide for cots before you buy your baby one. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust have lots of useful information and tips for sleeping safely for your baby. You can also take part in an NCT New Baby Course to know more about safe sleep.
Design
Bedside cribs let you co-sleep with your baby. They come in a variety of designs. Some bassinets are attached to your bed which allows you to lift your child up to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep without getting out of the bed. bedside cot 6 months plus are portable, like the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, that transforms into an cot for travel, a playpen and co-sleeper for use at home or on the move.
It is important to keep in mind that, like all sleeping arrangements for your baby, the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your baby is sleeping on their back to help reduce the chance of SIDS. When selecting a crib mattress be sure that it is flat and firm and is able to fit snugly in the crib without gaps. It is also recommended to use a mattress cover that is breathable to shield the mattress from accidents and spills.
Bedside cribs are bassinets that attach to the sides of your mattress. Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and other celebrities are fans of them. They come with an adjustable or lowered side that allows you to reach your baby to soothe them or feed them during the night. They are also ideal for parents recovering after 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 and night feed changes are regular. It lets you attend to your baby's needs without having to get out of your own bed, and helps your little one develop an intimate relationship with you. It also helps you get some sleep.
The majority of bedside cots can be moved around the room. They are great for small areas. They can be used as a crib that's attached to your bed, or as an independent crib. Some are compact enough to fit into your suitcase when you travel with your baby.
Certain models come with a collapsible face which makes it easier to lift your baby towards you during night feeding or to soothe them back to sleep. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, and can reduce the risk of suffocation. Most bedside cribs are suitable for babies up to six months, although some are suitable for older babies.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib is a fantastic option for new parents as it's versatile, safe and comes with a bag for travel. It has a stay-in-place connection system that can be attached to your bed, as well as six height settings that can be adjusted to meet your needs. It has a drop-side to allow easier access, as well as an incline option for babies with reflux or coughs.
Our testers loved the fact that it was quick and easy to assemble, and that it can be folded away in seconds, which made it a great choice for travelling. They also thought that it was durable and although they did not like that it did not rock or include extra features, such as lullabies, they did say that it was an excellent travel cot.
Chicco Next2me Magic was another bedside cot on our shortlist that parents loved. Its unique design enables you to sleep with your baby close and helps in building an even stronger bond between you. It comes with a storage compartment that can be used to store clothes, wipes and nappies, so you don't have to worry about leaving them at home. However, our testers from parents were adamant that it was a bit bulky when it was packed away and that they would struggle with it when they went up and down the steps and down the stairs, which is something to consider when you reside in a home with many steps.
Cost
Bedside cribs are a safe alternative to cosleeping. They can help your child gain independence by separating their sleep space from the one you share with them. This is especially beneficial in the first few months of life when your baby is likely to require feeding at night and frequent changing of nappy. It's also a great solution for parents who have difficulty to bend down in order to take their newborn baby in the arms.
Most bedside cots are easily attached to the main mattress, and come with a breathable mattress for your baby. You can add additional bedding, such as an incredibly soft fitted bed sheet to keep your baby safe and comfortable at night. A soft mattress cover with a breathable fabric will keep moisture off the mattress, reducing your baby's risk of SIDS or allergies.
The cost of a bedside crib can differ, but it's generally less expensive than the cost of a full-size crib. They are also a great gift for parents who are expecting. The Kinderkraft CoZee is fantastic example, providing excellent value for price. It can be used as an end-of-bed crib, standalone bed, or a travel cot, and it comes with a breathable mattress and the stand. A fitted sheet is available for extra comfort and to stop stains from forming.
SnuzPod is a well-known brand, offers a variety of fabrics and colors that will match your baby's bedroom or nursery. They also have a padded base that provides the necessary cushioning and support to your baby. A lot of cribs can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed, and some even have a gentle incline of reflux to aid your baby in sleeping better.
You might be tempted to buy a second-hand bedside crib, but it's important that you purchase a brand new mattress. Old or used mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS for your child and aren't as supportive. It is also essential to ensure that the mattress is fitted correctly - some cribs are designed to fit certain brands of mattresses only.
Another option is to buy a cot that is suitable for your child as they grow older. These can be a bit more expensive however they're an excellent investment to ensure your child's safety and health. They're also a great option if you're planning on have more than one child.