Transitioning From Moses Basket to Co-Sleeper
With a bedside crib or co-sleeper your baby can rest comfortably close to your bed. Many come with additional features like music, rockers and night lights.
The Shnuggle Air comes with a cot mattress and conversion kit that transforms your child's safe, cozy sleeping space into a stylish cot. This clever feature was a huge hit with our mum testers.
Sleeping bag
Baby sleeping bags offer the same comfort as a blanket but without the dangers. They are a great choice for parents who are looking to move their baby from the Moses basket to a cot or bedside crib. The sleep sacks are designed with security in mind and adhere to strict European standards. The sleep sacks enable parents to bond with their babies throughout the night. This is vital for encouraging healthy sleeping patterns and developing brain connections.
Most experts believe that a crib at the side of the bed is the most secure spot for your baby to rest. However, it's important remember that your baby will become more mobile after they reach six months old. They'll want to roll, crawl and sit up during the nap time and at night. It is, therefore, more important to move your child from their Moses basket to an appropriate crib at the right time.
Babies who have reached this milestone are typically at a point where they can move from their moses baskets to a cradle or cot at around 4 months of age, but this will vary based on the individual child. The signs that your baby is ready include rolling over during their sleep or pushing up on their arms when lying on their stomachs and becoming uncomfortable in their bassinet.
It is important to select a comfortable sleeping bag that isn't too tight or loose. Be sure to choose the correct tog for your baby's temperature, and change the tog as the weather changes. Also, make sure to keep all blankets in a safe place, as they can easily obstruct your baby's breathing and result in excessive heat.
When your baby is settled in their cot, ensure that they're not close to any source of heat like radiators or sunlit windows. Also, ensure that bedside crib and cot or baby monitor cables are secure and away from reach. Remember that your baby is less able to control their temperature than you are, so they'll be more susceptible to overheating.
Blankets
Baby blankets make a great addition to any cot or bedside table and it's normal for new parents to want to protect their baby with a soft blanket when they put them down to sleep. However the use of blankets in a crib is not suitable for infants and may increase the danger of SIDS, suffocation, or an entrapment. The best option is a firm, fitted sheet that covers the mattress. A blanket is a good option as a cover, but it should not be used to cover the baby's face. It should be able to move around enough to allow airflow.
Many infants die of suffocation when they are wrapped in soft bedding such as blankets, pillows and toys. This happens when the blanket blocks breathing or when the baby's body is wrapped tightly around it. It also happens when the blanket becomes caught or twisted around the crib corners.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests waiting until your baby is at 1 year old before they use a blanket in the crib or bassinet. Research has shown that blankets can increase the risk of SIDS for infants and newborns when they sleep on their backs. The AAP also recommends against crib bumpers, pillows, sheepskin blankets and stuffed animals in the crib, since they could increase the risk of inhaling and suffocating.
You can use a blanket to cover your convertible or convertible-to-divan cot to keep warm. However, you must make sure that the blanket is properly put in place to avoid it becoming loose. Alternatively, you can use swaddles or sleep sacks to keep your baby warm throughout the night.
Another alternative is a bedside crib that attaches securely to the side of the parent's mattress for seamless transition from toddler to sleeper bed. This kind crib is able to be easily transported between rooms due to its light weight and portable. Many come with an adapter kit that allows you can transform the crib to an independent cot as your child grows. If you're in the market for a portable crib, ensure that you choose one that is in line with the current British or European safety standards.
Cuddles
A bedside crib is a fantastic way to keep baby close all night long without having to get up to feed. bedside cots for newborns are a great choice for mothers recovering from a c-section who require to reach baby quickly, and they are also great at helping babies to begin to settle independently while still close to their parents.
When picking a crib it's crucial to choose one that fits well with your bed - look for one with safety straps or harnesses to securely attach to your bed. Check the height the crib is compatible with, since some cribs won't work if you have a high bed frame. Some also come with extra features like an incline for reflux or a storage shelves, but they're not necessary if you're looking for the most straightforward solution.
You could also choose cribs with a swivel base which lets you manoeuvre the baby around the room effortlessly ideal for an awkward space or small bedroom. Lastly, you'll need to consider how portable the crib is - do want it to be simple to move from room to room, or could it fold flat and/or detach to become a moses basket or older baby crib?
Cuddle cots have also become increasingly popular as alternatives to a sleeping bag. They allow you to remain in the same room as your baby during their first few weeks of life. This is especially helpful if you're struggling to sleep, or suffering from post-natal depression. Charlotte Szakacs, 21, and her husband Attila, 28, were heartbroken when their daughter Evlyn passed away four weeks after her birth due to a rare chromosomal abnormality however, they were able to spend 16 precious days cuddling her in their cuddle cot. The couple documented their time with Evlyn on Instagram, which was a huge source of comfort for the rest of the family.
Baby steps
If you've managed to get your baby to sleep throughout the night in their crib by their bedside, it's time to consider a step up. This is when they move from the co-sleeper to an independent cot. This could be a difficult task for many parents. But, with thoughtful planning the transition from Moses basket to cot can be a breeze.
A bedside crib is a designed for infants that allows babies to sleep in a safe and secure position in their parents' beds. Often also called a co-sleeper crib or side sleeping bassinet the crib is attached to the parent's mattress so they can easily reach their child during the night without needing to leave the bed.
The Lullaby Trust, along with the NHS suggests that your baby sleep in your bedroom for the first six months. However, you should not let your child sleep in your bed because of the possibility of suffocation and overheating. A bedside crib is a safe and practical alternative to letting your baby sleep in the same space as you, which will give you a more peaceful night's sleep.
bedside cot 6 months plus for bed should be well-constructed and sturdy, with a a secure mattress. A design that is breathable is ideal, so your baby won't overheat and remain comfortable throughout the night. You'll also want to ensure the crib is compatible with your bed style For instance, some models can be used with divan beds while others are suitable for standard frames.
Many experts suggest that you use a crib during awake times to help your baby get used to their new space for sleeping. During these times, you can place your child in their crib for short periods of time when you are in the room. This will help them get used to the feel of their crib when they are still awake, which can make the switch to sleeping in it easier for both of you.
Mum tester Jasmine loved that the bedside crib has a storage space under it. This is great for storing extra nappies and blankets. It's also the perfect size, noting that it's a bit bigger than standard Moses baskets but not as big as some larger cribs.