Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is a piece of furniture that is secured to the side of a bed. This allows safe cosleeping. It lets you see your baby and reach them for their night feedings without causing disturbance to them. It's also great for those suffering from reflux.
The NHS recommends that your child sleeps in a separate crib, Moses basket or crib for the first 6 months. A bedside crib is an affordable and practical alternative to a full-size cot.
Safety
Cots provide a safe and secure space for babies to sleep. They have high sides to prevent babies from falling. They also have a solid head and footboard, with a design cut out to ensure babies aren't entangled. Additionally, the cot should be free from soft toys, cot bumpers and wedges that can be a choking risk.
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies should not sleep in their parents' bed for the first six months of their lives due the risk in suffocation. However, many parents find it hard to resist the urge to share their bed with a baby who is sleeping, so a bedside crib is a great choice for a safe and tranquil co-sleeping. These cribs are specifically designed to attach to the side of the bed where you can reach your baby easily without stepping out of the bed, and they conform to all safety standards.
If you're looking to buy a cot with a side that can drop down to sleep, you should look for the SnuzPod4. This crib features dual-view mesh windows as well as an easy-to-clean wall, allowing it to be used by itself for a good sleep. It also complies with the latest cot safety standard and has an incline feature that helps soothe infants to sleep.
When you are choosing a cot ensure that it has been cleaned thoroughly and is of the right size for your child. It should be at minimum 50cm deep in order to prevent your child from getting out of the cot as they develop. Also, ensure that you take away any stickers and transfer paper from the interior of the cot as these can peel off and create a choking hazard.
The cot shouldn't sit too close to a radiator or a bright window, as babies are at heightened risk of SIDS because of overheating. It must also be free of blind cords, since babies are known to get trapped and strangled by these cords. Duvets, pillows, and other bedding can cause suffocation for babies, so the cot should be free of them.
It's also a good idea to go through a safety guide for cots before you buy your baby one. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and tips on how to ensure your baby's safety while sleeping. You can also attend an NCT New Baby course to find out more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep with your baby in a safe and secure way. They come in a variety of designs. Some bassinets attach to your bed which allows you to raise your child to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep without having to get out of bed. Some are portable, such as the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which transforms into an cot for travel, a co-sleeper and playpen for use at home or on the move.
It is important to remember that, like any sleeping arrangement for your baby, the Lullaby Trust recommends ensuring that your baby sleeps on their back to help reduce the chance of SIDS. When selecting a mattress to fit your baby's crib, ensure that it is firm and flat and fits the cot snugly with no gaps. It is also recommended to use an air-tight cover to shield your mattress from spills or accidents.
Celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead love bedside cribs, which are bassinet-style cots that are attached to the side of your bed. They come with an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby for night feeding or soothing. They are especially useful for parents recovering from c-sections.
Portability
A bedside crib allows you to keep your child close to you at all times, especially in the early months of life when night feedings and diaper changes are frequent. It lets you be attentive to your baby's needs without leaving your bed. It can also help your child build a close relationship with you. It also helps you get some restful sleep yourself.
Most bedside cots can be moved around the room. They are ideal for small spaces and can be used as a standalone crib or a bedside cot that is attached to the bed's side. Some are even compact enough to fit inside your luggage if you're traveling with your infant.
Some models are equipped with a collapsible side, which makes it easy to carry your baby towards you for night feeding or to soothe them to sleep. This can be useful for breastfeeding mothers and reduce the chance of suffocation. The majority of cribs in the bed are suitable for babies up to six months old, however some are suitable for older children.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is a great option for new parents because it's safe, versatile and comes with a bag. It has a stay-in-place connection system that can be attached to your bed and offers six height options to suit your needs. It has a drop-side to make it easier to access, and an incline setting for babies with reflux or coughs.
Our testers loved the fact that it was fast and easy to assemble and that it can be folded away in just a few seconds making it a great choice for travelling. It was also durable and they were pleased the fact that it didn't include additional features, like lullabies or rocking.
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, which is great for building an even stronger bond between you and your baby. bedside crib vs cot has a storage compartment that can be used to store wipes, clothes, and nappies so you won't worry about leaving them behind. Our parent testers reported that it was heavy when it was packed away, and that they would struggle to carry it up and down stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs are the safest alternative to co-sleeping. They can aid your baby to gain independence by separating their bedroom from yours. This is especially beneficial in the early months in which your baby will require frequent nappy or night changes. It's also a great option for parents who are having difficulty bending down to pick their child up.
The majority of cots for bedside use can be connected to the main mattress, and come with a comfortable mattress for your baby. You can add extra bedding, like sheets that are fitted and soft, to keep your baby secure and comfortable during the night. A comfortable mattress cover with a breathable fabric will keep the moisture off of the mattress, reducing your baby's risk of SIDS or allergies.
The price of a bedside crib can vary, but most are less expensive than a full-size cot. These cribs are also a great gift for new parents. The Kinderkraft CoZee for instance, is an excellent value. It can be used as a bedside crib, standalone bed, or travel cot. It comes with a breathable mattress and an adjustable stand. A fitted sheet is available to add extra comfort and prevent stains.
SnuzPod, a reputable brand, offers a variety of colors and fabrics that will complement your baby's nursery or bedroom. The base is cushioned to protect and help your baby. A lot 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. But, it's crucial to buy an entirely new mattress. Mattresses that are used or old could increase the risk of SIDS in your baby, and may not be as supportive. It is essential to ensure that the mattress fits properly Certain cribs were created to fit only specific brands.
Another option is to purchase a cot that is suitable for your child as they grow older. They're 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 to have more than one child.