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. It allows you to view and reach your baby during nighttime feeds without disturbing them. It is also perfect for those who have reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your newborn sleeps in their own separate crib, cot or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib is a practical and affordable alternative to a full-size crib.
Safety
Cots offer an ensconced and safe place for babies to sleep. They are surrounded by high sides that keep babies from falling. They also have a solid head and footboard, with a design cut out to ensure that babies do not get caught in. Additionally, the crib should be free of soft toys, cot bumpers and wedges that pose a choking risk.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that a baby should be in the same space as their parents for the first six months of life but not in their bed due to the possibility of suffocation. However, many parents are unable to resist the urge to share their bed with a baby who is sleeping and a crib that is placed at the bedside is a great option to ensure a peaceful and safe co-sleeping. These cribs are specifically designed to attach to the sides of the bed where you can easily reach your child without having to get out of bed, and they adhere to all safety standards.
If you're looking for a cot with a side that can drop down overnight, look for the SnuzPod4. This crib comes with dual-view mesh windows as well as the ability to zip down the wall, which allows it to be used as a stand-alone unit for a peaceful night's rest. It also meets the new standards for safety of cots and features a rocking function that soothes babies to sleep.
When selecting a cot, check that it has been thoroughly cleaned and is the appropriate size for your child. It must be at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping as they grow. Take off any stickers and other transfers that could peel off the inside of your cot and pose a choking risk.
The cot should not be too close to a radiator or sunny window as babies are susceptible to overheating and could be at risk of SIDS. It should also be free from blind cords, as babies have been known to get caught and strangled in the cords. The cot should also be free from duvets, pillows and other bedding, which could cause suffocation.
It is also recommended to read an article on safety in a cot before purchasing a cot for your baby. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust have lots of helpful information and tips on sleeping safely for your baby. You can also take part in an NCT New Baby course to find out more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby. They come in various styles. Some are bassinet-style and is attached to your bed so that you can easily lift your baby for a night feed or help soothe them back to sleep without getting out of bed. Others are portable, like the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, that transforms into an cot for travel, a co-sleeper and playpen for use at home or on the move.
The Lullaby Trust advises that your baby should sleep on their back, regardless of the sleeping arrangement. This will help to lower the risk of SIDS. When choosing a mattress for your crib be sure that it is firm and flat and fits perfectly within the crib without gaps. You should also use an air-tight cover to shield your mattress from spills or accidents.
Celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead are awestruck by bedside cribs, which are cots with a bassinet design which attach to the side of your bed. They come with a removable or lowered side that allows you to touch your baby's face to feed or soothe them at night. They are also great for parents recovering from C-sections.
Portability
A crib for your bed will allow you to keep your child in your arms at all times, particularly during the first few months of life when nighttime feedings and diaper changes are frequent. It lets you attend to your baby's needs without having to move away from your bed, and it helps your little one establish an intimate relationship with you. It can also help ensure that you get a good night's sleep.
Most bedside cots are portable which means you can move them around the room easily. They are great for smaller spaces. They can be used as a crib that's attached to your bed or as a stand alone crib. Some are compact enough to fit into your luggage when traveling with your child.
Some models are designed with a collapsible face, which makes it easy to carry your baby towards you during night feeding or to soothe them back to sleep. This is a great feature for mothers who breastfeed and reduces the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The majority of cribs for bedside use can be used for babies as young as six months. However, some cribs can be used by older children.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a fantastic choice for new parents as 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, as well as six height settings that can be adjusted to fit your requirements. It also has a drop-side for easy access and an incline option, which is perfect for newborns with coughs or reflux.
Our testers were impressed that it was fast and easy to put together and that it could be folded away in just a few seconds, which made it a great choice for travelling. It was also durable and they were pleased that it didn't come with any extra features like rocking or lullabies.
Chicco Next2me Magic was another bedside cot we picked that parents loved. Its unique design allows you to sleep your child close to you. bedside crib and travel cot is great for enhancing the bond between you and your baby. It also has a convenient storage space that can be used to store nappies as well as baby wipes and clothing which means you don't need to worry about leaving them unattended. However, our parents who tested it were adamant that it was a bit bulky when packed away and that they had difficulty to carry it up and down the steps and down the stairs, which is something to consider if you reside in a house that has many steps.
Cost
Bedside cribs are the most secure alternative to co-sleeping. bedside sleeper cot can help your baby to develop independence by separating their bedroom from yours. This is especially beneficial in the first few months of life when your baby is likely to require feeding at night and frequent diaper changes. It's also a great option for parents who are having difficulty reaching down to pick their baby up.
Most bedside cots can be easily attached to your mattress and have a comfortable baby mattress. You can also add bedding, such as a soft fitted sheet to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe at night. A comfortable, breathable mattress cover will keep moisture off the mattress, reducing the risk of suffering from SIDS or allergies.
A bedside crib's price can vary, but it is typically less expensive than the price of a larger crib. These cribs can also be an ideal gift for newly-wed parents. The CoZee by Kinderkraft, for example, is an excellent value. It can be used as an in-bed crib or a standalone bed. It also includes a breathable mattress and the stand. A fitted sheet is included to increase comfort and to prevent the accumulation of staining.
SnuzPod, a trusted brand, has a range of fabrics and colors that can be matched to the nursery or bedroom of your baby. They also have a padded base to provide comfort and support for your baby. A majority of cribs can be adjusted to the height of your mattress and some also have a slight angle to aid your child in sleeping better.
It's tempting to buy an old crib for your bed. However, it's essential to purchase new mattresses. Mattresses that are used or old can increase the risk of SIDS in your baby and aren't as comfortable. It's important to make sure that the mattress is properly fitted Certain cribs were created to be able to only fit certain brands.
You can also buy a cot-bed that will grow with your child. 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 having more than one baby.