Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is an attachment that is secured to the bed's side. This allows safe cosleeping. It allows you to see your baby and reach them for their night feedings without causing disturbance to them. It is also great for those suffering from reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your baby sleeps in their own crib, cot or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib could be an economical and practical alternative to a full-size crib.
Safety
Cots provide a safe and secure place for babies to sleep. They are surrounded by high sides that prevent babies from falling out. They also have a sturdy head and footboard, with a design cut out to ensure babies aren't entangled. Additionally the cot should not be cluttered with soft toys, cot bumpers and wedges that could pose an choking hazard.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that a baby should sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months of their life but not in their bed due to the risk of being suffocated. A bedside crib can be the ideal solution for parents who find it difficult to resist the desire to share their bed with a sleeping child. These cribs are specially designed to be affixed to the side of the bed where you can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed, and they adhere to all safety standards.
If you're looking to buy a cot with a side that can drop down for the night, consider the SnuzPod4. The crib features dual-view mesh windows and the ability to zip down the wall, which allows it to be used as a stand-alone unit to ensure a restful night's sleep. It also complies with the latest standard for safety in cots and has a an incline feature that helps soothe infants to sleep.
Check that the cot has been thoroughly cleaned and is of the right size for your child. It should be at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out as they increase in height. Also, ensure that you remove any stickers or transfers from the interior of the cot as they may peel off and pose a choking hazard.
The cot shouldn't be placed too close to the sun or radiator as babies can become overheated and are at an increased risk of developing SIDS. Blind cords should be removed since babies can get trapped by them. The crib should also be free of pillows, duvets and other bedding, as they can lead to the suffocation of a child.
You should also go through an article on safety in a cot before you purchase a cot for your baby. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and tips regarding safe sleeping for your baby. You can also participate in an NCT New Baby course to learn more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs are an excellent method to co-sleep safely with your baby, and they are available in a variety of designs. Some are bassinet-style and is attached to your bed so that you can effortlessly lift your child up to night feed or soothe them back to sleep without getting out of the bed. Others are portable, like the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which can be transformed 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 be sleeping on their backs regardless of their sleeping arrangement. This can help lower the risk of SIDS. When choosing a crib mattress, ensure that it is firm and flat and fits snugly in the crib without gaps. Also, you should consider putting on a breathable cover to protect your mattress from spills and accidents.
Celeb mums such as Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead are huge fans of bedside cribs. They are bassinet-style cots which attach to the sides of your bed. They come with a removable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby during the night for 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 at all times, particularly during the beginning of their life when nighttime feedings and diaper changes are common. It allows you to attend to your baby's requirements without having to step from your bed, and will help your child establish a strong bond with you. It also allows you to get some restful sleep yourself.
Most bedside cots are able to be moved around the room. They are great for small spaces and can be used as a stand-alone crib or a bedside cot that is attached to the bed's side. Some are even compact enough to fit into your suitcase if you're travelling with your infant.
Some models are equipped with a collapsible side, which makes it easy to carry your baby towards you during night feeding or to soothe them back to sleep. This is beneficial for mothers who are breastfeeding and reduces the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most bedside cribs are suitable for babies from to six months old, but some are suitable for older babies.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a great option for parents who are new because it's safe, versatile and comes with a bag. It features a stay-in-place connector system that can be attached to your bed and offers six height settings to meet your needs. It features a drop-side that can allow easier access, and an incline setting for infants who suffer from coughs or reflux.
It was simple to put together and it could be folded in seconds. This made it a great choice for travel. cots4tots.co.uk thought that it was strong, and while they did point out that it didn't rock, or include extra features, such as lullabies, they did say that it made an excellent travel cot.
Chicco Next2me Magic was another bedside cot we picked that parents loved. Its unique design allows you to keep with your baby close and helps in building bonds between you and your baby. It also has a handy storage space that can be used to store nappies as well as baby wipes and clothing, so you don't have to worry about leaving them unattended. Our parent testers said that it was bulky when it was packed away, and they would have difficulty carrying it up and down the stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs can be a secure alternative to cosleeping. They can help your child develop independence by separating your child's sleep environment from the one you share with them. This is particularly beneficial in the first few months of life when your baby will likely require night feedings and frequent nappy changes. It is also a great solution for parents who have difficulty to bend over to pick up their infant.
The majority of bedside cots can be attached to the main mattress and come with a breathable mattress for your baby. You can add additional bedding, such as a soft fitted sheet, to ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable during the night. A soft mattress cover with a breathable fabric will keep the moisture off of the mattress and decrease your baby's chances of suffering from SIDS or allergies.
The price of a bedside crib may vary, but it is usually less than the cost of a full-size crib. These cribs are also ideal gifts for new parents. The Kinderkraft CoZee is fantastic example, providing excellent value for price. It can be used as an end-of-bed crib, standalone bed, and travel cot. It comes with a breathable mattress and the stand. A fitted sheet is available for extra comfort and to prevent stains.
A reputable brand like SnuzPod will offer a variety of colors and fabrics to match your baby's nursery or bedroom. They also have a cushioned base that provides the necessary cushioning and support to your baby. A lot of cribs can be lowered or raised to suit the bed's height, and some even have a gentle reflux incline to aid your baby in sleeping better.
It's tempting to purchase a used crib for your bed. However, it's crucial to buy a new mattress. Mattresses that are second-hand or old may increase the risk of your child developing SIDS, and they might not be as supportive. It is essential to ensure that the mattress fits properly Certain cribs were created to only fit certain brands.
You can also get a cot-bed that grows with your child. They may be more expensive however they're an excellent investment for your child's safety and health. These are also a good option if you're planning to have more than one child.