Bedside Cots - The Safe Alternative to Co-Sleeping
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the side of your bed to ensure your baby is safe while you sleep. It lets you view and reach your baby for nighttime feeds without disrupting them. It is also great for those who suffer from reflux.
NHS guidelines recommend that your infant sleep in their own crib, cot or Moses basket for the first six months. A bedside crib is an economical and practical alternative to a full size crib.
Safety
Cots are safe and secure spaces for babies to sleep. They feature high sides to keep babies from falling. They also have a sturdy head and footboard with shapes cut out to ensure that babies cannot become entangled. Soft toys, cot bumpers and wedges could pose a choking hazard.
The Lullaby Trust recommends that a baby should be in the same room with their parents for the first six months of life but not in their bed due to the danger of suffocation. A bedside crib can be a great solution for parents who are unable to resist the desire to share their bed with a child who is sleeping. These cribs can be attached to the headboard or side of a parent’s bed so that you can reach your child without having to leave the bed. They also meet all safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib with a side that can drop down to sleep, you should look for the SnuzPod4. This crib comes with a dual-view mesh window and a zip down wall that allows it to be used by itself for a good sleep. It also complies with the latest standards for safety of cots and features a rocking function which soothes babies to sleep.
Check that the cot has been thoroughly cleaned and is the right size for your child. It should be at minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from getting out of the cot as they increase in height. Also, ensure that you remove any stickers or transfers from the inside of the cot, since they can fall off and pose the risk of choking.
The cot shouldn't be too close to the sun or radiator as babies are susceptible to overheating and could be at risk of SIDS. Blind cords should be removed since babies can be trapped by cords. The crib should also be free from pillows, duvets and other bedding, as they could cause suffocation.
It is also recommended to read an article on safety in a cot 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 learn more about safe sleeping.
Design
Bedside cribs allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby. describes it come in a variety of designs. Some bassinets are attached to your bed and allow you to 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, co-sleeper and playpen for use at home or on the go.
The Lullaby Trust advises that your baby should sleep on their back regardless of their sleeping arrangement. This can help reduce the risk for SIDS. When choosing a mattress for your crib be sure that it is flat and firm and fits snugly in the crib without gaps. It is also recommended that you 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 cots in the bassinet style which attach to the sides of your bed. They have an adjustable or drop down side that lets you reach your baby during the night for feeding or soothing, and are especially useful for parents recovering from c-sections.
Portability
A crib for your bed is a great way to keep your baby close in the first few months of life when night feeds and nappy changes are regular. It allows you to attend to your baby's requirements without having to leave your bed. It also helps your child establish an intimate connection with you. It can also help you get some restful sleep yourself.
Most bedside cots can be moved, so you can move them around the room easily. They are perfect for small spaces and can be used as a standalone crib or attached to the bed's side. describes it are even compact enough to fit into your luggage if you're traveling with your infant.
Some models come with an element that can be collapsed, making it easier to lift your child up to to feed them at night or to calm him back to sleep. This is a great feature for mothers who are breastfeeding and reduces the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most bedside cribs are suitable for babies up to six months old, however some are suitable for older babies.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib is a great choice for new parents because it's safe, versatile and comes with a bag for travel. It has a stay-in-place connector system that attaches to your bed, and six height settings that can be adjusted to fit your needs. It also has a drop-side for easy access and an incline option, which is ideal for babies with reflux or coughs.
Our testers loved the fact that it was quick and easy to put together and that it folds away in seconds and was an ideal choice for travel. It was also sturdy, and they liked that it didn't have any additional features, like lullabies or rocking.
Chicco Next2me Magic was another bedside cot that we shortlisted that parents loved. Its unique design allows you to sleep your child close to you. This helps to strengthen the bond between you and your child. It has a storage area that can be used to store clothes, wipes, and nappies so you won't worry about leaving them at home. Our parents who tested it said it was heavy when it was put away, and that they would have difficulty carrying it up and down the stairs.
Cost
Bedside cribs in the UK are a safe alternative to co-sleeping and can help your baby to gain independence by separating their sleep environment from yours. This is particularly beneficial in the beginning of the year as your baby will require feeding at night and frequent diaper changes. It's also a great option for parents who have trouble getting their child up.
The majority of cots for bedside use can be attached to the main mattress and include a breathable mattress for your baby. You can add additional bedding, including sheets that are soft and fitted to ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe during the night. A soft, breathable cover will help keep the mattress dry and reduce your baby's risk of SIDS and allergies.
The cost of a bedside crib can differ, but they are generally less expensive than a full-size cot. These cribs can also be a great gift for new parents. The CoZee by Kinderkraft is an example. It's an excellent value. It can be used as a bedside crib or standalone bed. It also comes with a breathable bed and the stand. A fitted sheet can be added for added comfort and to keep stains out.
A reputable brand like SnuzPod can provide a variety of fabrics and colors to fit your baby's nursery bedroom. The base is padded to cushion and support your baby. Many of these cribs can be adjusted to the level of your mattress and some even have a gentle reflux angle to assist your child to sleep better.
It's tempting to buy a used crib for your bed. However, it is important that you purchase new mattresses. Second-hand mattresses or ones that are used may increase your baby's risk of SIDS, and they might not be as dependable. It is essential to ensure that the mattress is properly fitted - some cribs were designed to be able to only fit specific brands.
You can also purchase an cot-bed that can grow with your child. They can be more expensive, but they're a good investment for your child's safety as well as health. They're also a great choice if you're planning on having more than one baby.