Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping

A bedside crib is an cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the bed's side to ensure your baby is safe while you sleep. It lets you see and reach your baby during nighttime feeds without disturbing them. It is also ideal for those suffering from reflux.

NHS guidelines recommend that your infant sleep in their own cot, crib or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib is a practical and affordable alternative to a larger cot.

Safety

Cots are secure and safe areas for babies to rest. They are protected by high sides to keep babies from falling. They also have a solid head and footboard, with a design cut out so that babies aren't entangled. Soft toys, cot bumpers and wedges can pose dangers to children's health by choking.

The Lullaby Trust advises that babies shouldn't sleep in their parents' beds for the first six months of their lives due to the danger of suffocation. However, many parents find it hard to resist the temptation to share their bed with a baby who is sleeping so a crib for bedside is a great option for safe and peaceful co-sleeping. These cribs are specially designed to be affixed to the side of the bed where you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed, and they adhere to all safety requirements.

The SnuzPod4 crib has a side you can lower overnight. This crib features dual-view mesh window and an easy-to-clean wall, allowing it to be used on its own for a good sleep. It also meets the new standard for safety in cots and has a an incline feature that helps soothe infants to sleep.

Check that the crib has been cleaned thoroughly and is of the right size for your child. It should be at a minimum of 50cm deep to prevent your baby from escaping as they increase in height. Also, be sure to take away any stickers and transfer paper from the inside of the cot, since they can fall off and pose a choking hazard.

The cot shouldn't be placed too close to a radiator or a sunny window, as babies are at greater risk of SIDS because of overheating. It should also be free of blind cords, since babies have been often caught and strangled in them. Duvets, pillows and other beddings can choke babies, so the cot should be free of them.

You should also go through a guide on cot safety before purchasing a cot for your baby. The NHS and Lullaby Trust provide a wealth of information and guidance regarding safe sleeping for your baby. You can also participate in an NCT New Baby course to find out more about safe sleeping.

Design

best bedside cots cribs are an excellent option to sleep in a safe environment with your baby. They come in many different designs. Some bassinets can be attached to your bed, allowing you to easily raise your child to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep without getting out of the bed. Some are portable, such as the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which can be transformed into a travel bedside crib cot, playpen, and co-sleeper to use at home or on the go.

The Lullaby Trust advises that your baby should sleep on their backs regardless of their sleeping arrangement. This can help reduce the risk of SIDS. When choosing a mattress for your baby's crib, make sure it's firm and flat and fits in the cot comfortably with no gaps. It is also recommended that you use a breathable mattress cover to shield the mattress from accidents and spills.

Celebrity moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead are huge fans of bedside cribs. They are cots in the bassinet style that attach to the sides of your bed. They have a removable or drop down side that allows you to be close to your baby for nighttime feeding or soothing. They are especially useful for parents who are recovering from c-sections.

Portability

A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close at all times, particularly in the early months of life, when nighttime feedings and diaper changes are common. It allows you to be attentive to your baby's needs without leaving your bed. It also helps your child develop a strong connection with you. It can also help to allow you to sleep more soundly.

Most bedside baby bed cots (muse.Union.edu) are portable, so you can move them around the room with ease. They are great for smaller areas. They can be used as a crib that's attached to your bed or as a stand alone crib. Some are even small enough to fit in your suitcase if you're travelling with your infant.

Some models have an element that can be collapsed, making it easier to lift your child to you to feed them at night, or to calm him back to sleep. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers and can lower the chance of suffocation. Most bedside cribs are suitable for infants from six months old. However, some cribs are suitable for older children.

The Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib is an excellent choice for new parents as it's safe, versatile and comes with a travel 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 also features a drop-side for easy access and an incline option, which is ideal for infants with reflux or coughs.

It was simple to assemble and it can be folded in just a few seconds. This made it a great option for travel. They also thought that it was strong and, while they did note that it didn't rock or provide extra features like lullabies, they did say that it made for an excellent travel cot.

The Chicco Next2me Magic is another selected bedside cot that our parents loved. Its unique design allows you to keep your child close to you. This is great for enhancing the bond between you and your child. It also comes with a useful storage area that can be used to store nappies, baby wipes and clothes which means you don't need to worry about leaving them unattended. However, our parent testers did mention that it was bulky when it was packed away and that they had difficulty to carry it up and down the steps, which is something to think about if you reside in a home with many steps.

Cost

Bedside cribs are the most secure alternative to co-sleeping. They can help your baby to gain independence by separating their sleep environment from yours. This is especially beneficial in the first few months of life when your baby might require frequent nappy or night changes. It's also a great option for parents who are unable to bend over to pick up their infant.

Most bedside cots can be easily connected to your main mattress and will include a comfortable baby mattress. You can also add bedding, such as sheets that are fitted and soft to keep your baby safe and comfortable at night. A comfortable, breathable cover will aid in keeping moisture from the mattress, which can reduce your baby's chances of developing SIDS and allergies.

The price of a bedside cot can differ, but they are generally less than a full-size cot. They also make a fantastic gift for parents who are expecting. The Kinderkraft CoZee is perfect example, offering great value for money. It can be used for a bedside crib or standalone bed. It also includes a breathable bed and a stand. A fitted sheet is available to provide extra comfort and prevent stains.

A reputable brand like SnuzPod offers an array of colors and fabrics to fit your baby's nursery bedroom. The base is padded to cushion and support 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 aid your baby to sleep better.

It's tempting to buy a used crib for your bed. However, it is essential to purchase a new mattress. Mattresses that are used or old can increase the risk of SIDS in your baby and could not be as comfortable. It's also important to make sure that the mattress fits correctly - some cribs are designed to fit specific brands of mattresses.

Another option is to buy a cot that will be suitable for your baby as they grow older. These are more expensive, but are a great investment in the safety and health of your child. They're also a great choice if you're planning on having more than one baby.