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 perfect for those suffering from reflux.
The NHS suggests that your baby sleeps in a separate crib, Moses basket or crib for the first six month. A bedside crib is an economical and practical alternative to a larger cot.
Safety
Cots are safe and secure areas for babies to rest. They are surrounded by high sides that stop babies from falling out. They also have a solid head and footboard, with a design cut out to ensure that babies aren't entangled. Additionally the crib should be free of soft toys, cot bumpers and wedges that can be a choking risk.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that a baby should be in the same space as their parents for the first six months of life but not in their bed due to the possibility of being suffocated. A bedside crib could be an ideal solution for parents who are struggling to resist the temptation of sharing their bed with a sleeping child. These cribs can be attached to the headboard or side of a bed for parents to allow you to reach your child without needing to get out of bed. They also meet all safety standards.
The SnuzPod4 cot has a side which you can lower for the night. The crib has a dual-view mesh window and a wall that can be lowered that allows it to be used by itself to get a good night's sleep. It also complies with the latest standards for safety of cots and comes with a rocking feature that soothes babies to sleep.
Check that the cot has been thoroughly cleaned and is the right size for your child. It should be at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from getting out of the cot as they develop. Remove stickers and transfers that may fall off the cot's interior and pose a choking risk.
The cot shouldn't sit too close to a radiator or a sunny window, since babies are at heightened risk of SIDS due to overheating. It should also be free from blind cords as babies are known to get caught and strangled in them. Duvets, pillows, and other bedding can cause suffocation for infants, so the cot should not be full of these.
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 advice regarding safe sleeping for your baby. You can also take part in an NCT New Baby Course to know more about safe sleep.
Design
Bedside cribs let you co-sleep safely with your baby. They are available in various designs. Some are bassinet-style and connects to your bed so you can easily lift your baby up to feed them at night or put them to sleep without having to get out of bed. Some are portable, such as 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 move.
The Lullaby Trust advises that your baby should be sleeping on their backs, regardless of the sleeping arrangement. This will help reduce the risk of SIDS. When choosing a mattress for your baby's crib, make sure it is flat and firm and fits the cot snugly without gaps. It is also recommended to put on a mattress cover with breathable to shield the mattress from spills and accidents.
Celeb mums such as Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead love bedside cribs, which are bassinet-style cots which attach to the sides of your bed. They have a drop-down or removable side that lets you be close to your baby for nighttime feeding or soothing, and are especially beneficial for parents recovering from c-sections.
Portability
A crib for your bed is a great option to keep your baby close, especially during the first few months, when night feeds and nappy changes are regular. It lets you take care of your baby's needs without leaving your bed. It also helps your child establish a strong relationship with you. It can also help you get a good night's sleep.
The majority of bedside cots are portable, so you can move them around your room easily. They are great for smaller spaces. They can be used as a crib attached to your bed or used as a standalone crib. Some are compact enough to fit into your luggage when traveling with your baby.
Some models are equipped with a collapsible front which makes it easier to lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or to soothe them back to sleep. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers and can lower the risk suffocation. Most bedside cribs can be used for babies from six months old. However, cheap bedside cot 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 fit your requirements. It also has an easy-access drop-side and an incline option, which is ideal for babies who suffer from coughs or reflux.
Our test subjects loved the fact that it was fast and easy to assemble, and that it could be folded away in just a few seconds making it a great choice for travelling. They also thought that it was durable, and while they did point out that it didn't rock, or provide extra features like songs, they did agree that it made an excellent travel cot.
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 with your baby close and is ideal for building an even stronger bond between you and your baby. It has a storage area that can be used to store wipes, clothes, and nappies so you won't worry about leaving them behind. Our parent testers said that it was bulky when it was put away, and they would have a difficult time carrying it up and down the stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs are a safe alternative to cosleeping. They can aid your child in developing independence by separating his or her sleep space from the one of you. This is especially beneficial in the first few months of life as your baby will require feeding at night and frequent changing of nappy. It is also a great option for parents who are unable to bend down to take their newborn baby in the arms.
Most bedside cots can be easily connected to your main mattress and have a comfortable baby mattress. You can also add bedding, like a soft fitted sheet, to ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe at night. A soft, breathable cover will help keep moisture away from the mattress, which can lower the risk of SIDS and allergies.
The cost of a bedside crib may vary, but the majority are smaller than a standard cot. They can also be a great gift for parents who are expecting. The Kinderkraft CoZee is an example. It's a great value. It can be used as an end-of-the-line crib or as a standalone bed. It also includes a breathable bed and the stand. A fitted sheet is included to provide extra comfort and prevent stains.
A reputable brand such as SnuzPod can provide a variety of colors and fabrics that will fit your baby's nursery bedroom. They also have a padded base that can provide the necessary cushioning and support to your baby. Many of these cribs can be adjusted to the level of your mattress and some even have a gentle angle of reflux to assist your child to sleep better.

It's tempting to buy a used crib for your bed. However, it is essential to purchase new mattresses. Used or worn-out mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby and aren't as supportive. It's important to make sure that the mattress fits properly Some cribs were made to only fit specific brands.
You can also get an cot-bed that can grow with your child. They're more expensive, but are a great investment for the health and safety of your child. These are also a good option if you're planning to have more than one child.