Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is an attachment that is secured to the side of a bed. This allows for safe cosleeping. It lets you be able to see and reach your baby during feedings at night without having to disturb them. It is also ideal for those suffering from reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your newborn sleeps in a separate cot, crib or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib can be an economical and practical alternative to a full size crib.
Safety
Cots are secure and safe areas for babies to rest. They have high sides to prevent babies from falling. They also have a sturdy head and footboard, with a design cut out to ensure that babies aren't entangled. Soft toys, cot bumpers, and wedges could pose dangers to children's health by choking.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies should not be sleeping in their parents' bed for the first six months of their lives due the possibility of suffocation. A bedside crib can be an ideal solution for parents who are struggling to resist the temptation of sharing their bed with a child who is sleeping. These cribs are specifically designed to attach to the side of the bed where you can reach your baby easily without getting out of bed, and they adhere to all safety standards.
If you're looking for a cot with an option to drop down for the night, consider the SnuzPod4. The crib has a dual-view mesh window and a zip down wall, allowing it to be used as a standalone unit for a good sleep. It also meets the new standard for cot safety and comes with a rocking feature that soothes babies to sleep.
Make sure the crib has been thoroughly cleaned and is the correct size for your child. It should be at a minimum of 50cm deep, to avoid your child from escaping as they increase in height. Also, make sure to remove stickers and transfers from the interior of the cot as they can fall off and create an choking risk.
The cot shouldn't be too close to a radiator or a bright window, as babies are at greater risk of SIDS due to overheating. Blind cords must be removed as babies can be caught in them. The cot should also be free from pillows, duvets and other bedding that could cause the suffocation of a child.
It's recommended 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 safe sleep for babies. You can also participate in an NCT New Baby course to find out more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs are a great method to co-sleep safely with your baby. They are available in a variety of styles. Some are bassinet-style and attaches to your bed so you can easily lift your baby to night feed or soothe them to sleep without getting out of bed. Some are portable, such as the Slumber 3-in-1, a convertible travel cot, a cosleeper and playpen that can be used at home or when you are on the move.
It is vital to keep in mind that, like any sleeping arrangement for your baby, the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your child sleeps on their back to help reduce the chance of SIDS. When selecting a crib mattress, ensure that it is flat and firm, and that it is able to fit snugly into the crib without any gaps. Also, you should consider putting on an air-tight cover to shield your mattress from spills and accidents.
Celeb mums such as Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead love bedside cribs, which are bassinet-style cots which attach to the side of your bed. They come with an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby during the night for feeding or soothing, and are particularly useful for parents who are recovering from c-sections.
bedside cot co sleeper allows you to keep your baby in your arms at all times, especially in the beginning of their life when night feedings and diaper changes are common. It allows you to attend to your baby's requirements without leaving your bed. It can also help your child build an intimate relationship with you. It also helps allow you to sleep more soundly.
Most bedside cots are able to be moved around the room. They are ideal for smaller areas. They can be used as a crib attached to your bed or used as an independent crib. Some are compact enough to fit into your luggage when traveling with your baby.
Certain models come with a collapsible front, which makes it easy to lift your baby towards you for night feeding or to soothe them back to sleep. This is a great feature for mothers who are breastfeeding, and it can reduce the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most bedside cribs can be used by babies as young as six months. However, certain cribs can be used by older infants.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib is an excellent choice for parents who are new as it's safe, versatile and comes with a bag for travel. It has a stay-in-place connection system to attach to your bed and comes with six height settings to meet your needs. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access, and an incline setting for infants who suffer from coughs or reflux.
Our testers were impressed that it was quick and easy to assemble and that it could be folded away in just a few seconds making it a great choice for travelling. They also said that it was strong, and while they did not like that it did not 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 allows you to keep your baby close to you and helps in building a 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 the items in the house. However, our testers from parents did say that it was bulky when it was packed away and that they would struggle with it when they went up and down the stairs which is something you should consider for those who reside in a home with many 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 during the first few months, when your baby may require frequent nappy or night changes. It's also a great choice for parents who have trouble getting their child up.
Most bedside cots are easily connected to your main mattress and include a comfortable baby mattress. You can also add bedding, like a soft fitted sheet to ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable at night. A comfortable mattress cover with a breathable fabric will keep moisture off the mattress and decrease the risk of suffering from SIDS or allergies.
The cost of a bedside cot can differ, but they are generally less than a full-size cot. These cribs are also ideal gifts for new parents. The Kinderkraft CoZee, for example, is a great value. It can be used as a bedside crib, a standalone bed, or travel cot, and it comes with a breathable mattress and an adjustable stand. A fitted sheet is included to increase comfort and prevent staining.
SnuzPod, a reputable brand, has a wide range of fabrics and colors that can be matched to your baby's bedroom or nursery. They also offer a padded base that provides cushioning and support for your baby. Many cribs can be raised or lowered to fit the bed's height Some even have a gentle incline of reflux to help your baby sleep better.
You might be tempted purchase a second-hand crib, but it's important to purchase a new mattress. Mattresses that are used or old can increase the risk of SIDS in your baby, and may not be as supportive. It's important to make sure that the mattress fits properly - some cribs were designed to only fit specific brands.
Another option is to get a cot bed that will be suitable for your child as they grow older. They may be more expensive however they're an excellent investment to ensure your child's safety and health. They're also a great choice when you're planning to have more than one baby.