Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is a piece of furniture that is secured to the bed's side. This allows for secure cosleeping. It lets you see and reach your baby during night feeds without disrupting them. It is also great for those suffering from reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your baby sleeps in their own cot, crib or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib is a practical and affordable alternative to a full-size cot.
Safety
Cots are secure and safe places for babies to sleep. They are protected by high sides to keep babies from falling. The solid head and footboards are shaped to keep babies from getting caught in. In addition, the cot should be free from soft toys, cot bumpers and wedges that can be an choking hazard.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies shouldn't sleep in their parents' bed for the first six month of their life due to the danger of suffocation. Many parents find it hard to resist the temptation to share their bed with a baby sleeping so a crib for bedside is a great alternative to ensure a peaceful and safe co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to attach to the side of a parent's bed so you can reach your baby easily without having to get out of the bed, and adhere to all safety requirements.
If you're looking to buy a cot with the ability to slide down to sleep, you should look for the SnuzPod4. This crib has 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 meets the new standard for safety in cots and has a a rocking feature that soothes infants to sleep.
When choosing a cot, make sure it's been thoroughly cleaned and is of a suitable size for your child. It should be at least 50cm deep to stop your child from getting out of the cot as they grow. Also, ensure that you take away any stickers and transfer paper from the interior of the cot as they may peel off and present an choking risk.
The cot shouldn't sit too close to a radiator or a bright window, as babies are more at risk of SIDS because of overheating. Blind cords should be removed since babies can get strangled by cords. The crib should also be free from duvets, pillows and other bedding that could cause death.
You should also read a guide on cot safety before you purchase 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 attend an NCT New Baby course to learn more about sleeping safely.
Design
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep with your baby in a safe and secure way. They come in a variety of styles. Some bassinets attach to your bed, allowing you to easily raise your child to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep, without having to get out of the bed. Others are portable, like the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which 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 their sleeping arrangement. This will help to reduce the risk of SIDS. When choosing a crib mattress make sure it is firm and flat, and that it is able to fit snugly within the crib without gaps. You should also use an air-tight cover to shield your mattress from spills and accidents.
Celebrity moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead are awestruck by bedside cribs, which are bassinet-style cots which attach to the side of your bed. These cribs have a removable or lowered side, allowing you to touch your baby's face to soothe or feed them at night. They are also ideal for parents who are recovering from C-sections.
Portability
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your child close to you at all times, especially in the beginning of their life when night feedings and diaper changes are common. It lets you attend to your baby's requirements without having to step out of your own bed, and also helps your little one develop a strong bond with you. bedside cot crib can also help you get some sleep.
Most bedside cots are able to be moved around the room. They are ideal for small spaces and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the side of your bed. Some are compact enough to fit into your suitcase when you travel with your child.
Some models come with a collapsible part that makes it easier to carry your child up to to feed them at night, or to soothe him 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 are suitable for infants up to six months, although some are suitable for older infants.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a fantastic choice for new parents because it's safe, flexible and comes with a bag. It has a stay-in-place connector system that attaches to your bed and six height settings that can be adjusted to meet your requirements. It also features an open-side that allows for easy access and an incline option, which is ideal for babies with reflux or coughs.
Our testers loved the fact that it was fast and easy to assemble, and that it could be folded away in seconds and was an ideal choice for travel. They also thought that it was strong and, while they did not like that it did not rock or offer extra features such as the sound of lullabies, they also said that it made an excellent travel cot.
The Chicco Next2me Magic is another shortlisted bedside cot that our parents loved. bedside cot bed enables you to put your child close to you and is ideal for creating a stronger bond between you and your baby. It also has a handy storage space, which can be used to store nappies diapers, baby wipes, and clothes and you don't have to be concerned about leaving them at home. However, our testers from parents did mention that it was a bit bulky when it was packed away and that they would struggle to carry it up and down the stairs, which is something to be aware of if you reside in a home with lots of steps.
Cost
Bedside cribs are the most secure alternative to co-sleeping. They can aid your baby to develop independence by separating their bedroom from yours. This is especially beneficial during the early months when your baby is likely to require feeding at night and frequent diaper changes. It is also a great solution for parents who find it difficult to bend down to pick up their newborn.
Most bedside cots are easily connected to your mattress and include a comfortable baby mattress. You can add additional bedding, like a soft fitted bed sheet to ensure your baby is secure and comfortable during the night. A soft, breathable cover can help keep moisture from the mattress, which can lower the chances of developing SIDS and allergies.
A bedside crib's price can vary, but it is usually less than the cost of a larger crib. They are also a great present for the new parents. The CoZee by Kinderkraft, for example, is a great value. It can be used for an end-of-the-line crib or as a standalone bed. It also comes with a breathable bed and the stand. A fitted sheet is available to provide extra comfort and stop stains from forming.
SnuzPod, a reputable brand, has a wide range of fabrics and colors that will complement your baby's nursery or bedroom. They also have a padded base to provide the necessary cushioning and support to your baby. A lot of cribs can be raised or lowered to match the bed's height, and some even have a gentle reflux incline to help your baby sleep better.
It's tempting to purchase a used bedside crib. However, it is crucial to buy an entirely new mattress. Used or worn-out mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS for your baby, and may not be as comfortable. It is also essential to ensure that the mattress is properly fitted - some cribs are designed to fit certain brands of mattresses only.
Another option is to get a cot bed that is suitable for your baby as they grow older. These are more expensive, but are a great investment for the health and safety of your child. They're also a great choice if you're planning on having more than one baby.