Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is an attachment that attaches securely to the bed's side. This allows for safe cosleeping. It allows you to be able to see and reach your baby for nighttime feeds without disrupting them. It is also ideal for those with reflux.
The NHS suggests that your baby sleeps in a separate crib, Moses basket or crib for the first six months. A bedside crib could be an economical and practical alternative to a larger crib.
Safety
Cots are safe and secure places for babies to sleep. They are surrounded by high sides that prevent babies from falling out. The footboards and headboards have shapes cut into them to prevent babies from becoming entangled. In addition the cot should not be cluttered with soft toys, cot bumpers and wedges that pose a choking risk.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies should not sleep in their parents' beds for the first six months of their lives due the possibility of suffocation. Many parents are unable to resist the temptation to share their bed with a sleeping baby and a crib that is placed at the bedside is a great choice to ensure a peaceful and safe co-sleeping. These cribs attach to the side or headboard of the bed of the parent so that you can reach your child without needing to get out of bed. They also meet all safety standards.
If you're looking to buy a cot with the ability to slide down for the night, consider the SnuzPod4. The crib has a two-view mesh windows and an easy-to-clean wall, allowing it to be used on its own to ensure a peaceful sleep. It also complies with the latest standard for cot safety and comes with a rocking bedside crib feature that helps babies sleep.
When selecting a cot, make sure it's been thoroughly cleaned and is of the right size for your child. It should be at minimum 50cm deep in order to prevent your child from leaving the cot as they develop. Also, make sure to take away any stickers and transfer paper from the interior of the cot as they can fall off and pose the risk of choking.
The cot shouldn't sit too close to a radiator or a sunny window, as babies are more at risk of SIDS due to overheating. Blind cords must be taken off as babies could be strangled by cords. Duvets, pillows, and other bedding can cause suffocation for infants, so the cot should not be full of them.
It is also recommended to read an article on safety in a cot before buying one for your baby. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust have lots of useful information and advice about safe baby sleep. You can also participate in an NCT New Baby Course to learn more about safe sleep.
Design
bedside cot mattress cribs are a great method to co-sleep safely with your baby. They come in many different styles. Some are bassinet-style, and attaches to your bed so you can effortlessly lift your child up for a night feed or help soothe them to sleep without having to get 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 go.
It is vital to remember that, just like with all sleeping arrangements for your baby the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your baby is sleeping on their backs to 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 within the crib without gaps. You should also use a waterproof cover to shield your mattress from spills or accidents.
Celebrity moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead love bedside cribs, which are cots in the bassinet style that attach to the sides of your bed. They come with an adjustable or drop down side that lets you be close to your baby for nighttime feeding or soothing. They are particularly useful for parents recovering from c-sections.
Portability
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close to you at all times, particularly during the early months of life, when nighttime feedings and diaper changes are frequent. It lets you attend to your baby's needs without having to get out of your own bed, and also helps your little one build a strong bond with you. It also allows you to get some restful sleep yourself.
Most bedside cots can be moved which means you can move them around the room easily. They are perfect for small bedside cot spaces. They can be used as a crib that is attached to your bed or as an independent crib. Some are even compact enough to fit inside your suitcase when you travel with your infant.
Some models come with a collapsible part that makes it easier to lift your child out to to feed them at night or calm him back to sleep. This can be helpful for breastfeeding mums, and it can reduce the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most cribs that are bedside can be used by babies as young as six months. However, some cribs can be used by older babies.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a great choice for parents who are new because it's safe, flexible and comes with a bag. It has a stay-in-place connection system that can be attached to your bed and six height settings that can be adjusted to meet your requirements. It features a drop-side that can allow easier access, as well as an incline setting for babies with coughs or reflux.
Our test subjects loved the fact that it was quick and easy to assemble and that it folds away in seconds and was an ideal choice for travel. They also felt that it was sturdy, and while they did point out that it did not rock or include extra features, such as songs, they did agree that it made an excellent travel cot.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another shortlisted bedside cot that our parents loved. Its unique design allows you to put your baby close to you. This is great for enhancing the bond between you and your baby. It has a storage area that can be used to store wipes, clothes, and nappies so you don't have to worry about leaving the items in the house. Our parent testers reported that it was bulky when it was packed away, and that they would have difficulty carrying it up and down the stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs in the UK are a safest alternative to co-sleeping. They can aid your baby to gain independence by separating their sleeping environment from yours. This is particularly 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 have difficulty to bend down in order to pick up their infant.
The majority of bedside cot used cots can be attached to the main mattress and come with a breathable mattress for your baby. You can add additional bedding, including sheets that are soft and fitted to ensure your baby is secure and comfortable at night. A comfortable, breathable cover will help to keep the mattress dry, which can reduce your baby's risk of SIDS and allergies.
The price of a bedside cot can vary, but the majority are less than a full-size cot. These cribs are also an ideal gift for newly-wed parents. The Kinderkraft CoZee is great example, offering excellent value for price. It can be used for an in-bed crib or a standalone bed. It also includes a breathable bed and an adjustable stand. A fitted sheet is available to increase comfort and protect against staining.
SnuzPod is a well-known brand, offers a variety of colors and fabrics that will match your baby's bedroom or nursery. The base is padded to cushion and help your baby. A lot of cribs can be raised or lowered to suit the height of your bed, and some even have a gentle reflux incline to help your baby sleep better.
You might be tempted buy a second-hand bedside crib but it's essential that you purchase a brand new mattress. Old or second-hand mattresses can increase the risk of your child developing SIDS, and they may not be as comfortable. It's also important to ensure that the mattress fits correctly Some cribs are made to fit certain brands of mattresses only.
You can also buy a cot-bed that grows with your child. These are more expensive, but are a great investment for the health and safety of your child. They're also a good option if you're planning to have more than one child.