Transitioning From Moses Basket to Co-Sleeper
With a bedside crib or co-sleeper your baby can be comfortable in your bed. Some have additional features, like rockers and music.
The Shnuggle Air also comes with a conversion kit for cots and mattress, which extends your baby's cozy and safe sleeping space into a stylish cot. This innovative feature was a huge hit with our mum testers.
Sleeping bag
Baby sleeping bags offer the same comfort to infants as a blanket without the risks associated with blankets. These bags are an excellent choice for parents who want to move from an Moses basket to a crib or cot. The sleep sacks have been made with safety in mind and conform to strict European standards. They also permit parents to interact with their baby throughout the night, encouraging bonds and closeness. This is crucial for promoting 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 to be aware that your baby is likely to become more mobile when they reach the age of six months of age. They'll want to roll, crawl and then sit up during the late at night and during nap. This makes it more important to transfer your baby from their moses basket to a cot at the appropriate time for them.
Babies who have reached this milestone are typically ready to move from their moses basket to a cradle or cot at around four months of age, however it will vary based on the individual child. When your baby is ready, they could begin to roll over while sleeping, push up their arms while lying flat on their stomach and then become uncomfortable in their bassinet.
It is essential to select an appropriate sleeping bag that isn't too tight or loose. Make sure it's the right tog for your baby's temperature, and alter the tog as the weather changes. Also, ensure that you keep blankets away since they can hinder your baby's breathing and result in overheating.
When your baby is settled in their cot, be sure that they're not close to any sources of heat such as radiators or windows that are sunny. Also, ensure that curtains and baby monitor cables are secure and away from reach. Remember that your child is less capable than you to regulate your body temperature, and they are more prone to overheating.
Blankets
Baby blankets are a cute accessory to any cot or bedside crib, and it's natural for parents who are new to cover their little one with a warm blanket before they lay them down to sleep. However the use of blankets in a crib isn't 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 can be added as a cover, but should never cover the baby's face and should be able to move around enough to allow airflow.
A lot of cases of accidental suffocation in infants involve soft bedding, such as blankets, pillows, and toys. This occurs when the blanket impedes breathing or the infant's body is wrapped tightly around it. It can also happen when the blanket gets tangled in the corners of the crib.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests waiting until your baby is at least one year old to use a blanket in the bassinet or crib. This is because research has shown that blankets increase the risk of SIDS in infants and newborns especially when they are placed on their backs for sleep. The AAP also recommends against crib bumpers, pillows, sheepskin blankets and stuffed animals in the crib, as they may increase the risk of inhaling and suffocating.
If you have a convertible cot or convertible-to-divan and you want to make use of a blanket to keep warm or as a bed cover. However, you should always ensure that the blanket is properly tucked in to stop it from becoming loose. You can also use swaddles or sleep sacks to keep your baby warm throughout the night.
A bedside crib that can be moved around is an alternative. It is attached securely to the parent's bed, allowing for a smooth transition from a sleeping bed to a toddler bed. This type crib is able to be easily transported between rooms because it's light and portable. bedside cots for newborns come with the option of converting it so that you can transform the crib into a standalone crib as your child grows. When looking for a portable cot, make sure that it meets the current British or European safety standards.
Cuddles
A bedside crib is a great option to keep baby in close proximity all night without needing to leave the bed for feeding. They are a great choice for mothers recovering from a c-section who require to reach their baby easily and are also excellent at helping babies start to get used to their own space while remaining close to their parents.
When picking a crib it's crucial to choose one that is compatible with your bed. Look for one with safety straps or harnesses to securely attach to your bed. Make sure you are able to check the height the crib is compatible with, since some cribs won't work when you have a tall bed frame. Certain cribs have additional features, like the reflux slope or storage shelf. But, they're not necessary if you want the simplest solution.
You may also opt for a crib that has an swivel base, which allows you to move your baby easily around the room. This is ideal when you have an awkward or small space. Also, you'll need consider how portable the crib is - do you want it to be easy to move from room room, or could it fold flat and/or detach to be a moses basket, or an older baby cot?
Cuddle cots are an increasingly popular choice, since they are a great alternative to sleeping bags and assist you in staying in the same room as baby during their first few months of life. This is particularly beneficial if you're struggling to sleep or are suffering from post-natal depression. Charlotte Szakacs, 21, and her husband Attila 28 were devastated when their daughter Evlyn died four weeks after birth due to a rare chromosomal anomaly however they were capable of spending 16 blissful days cuddling her in their cuddle cot. The couple shared the time they spent with Evlyn on Instagram. This was a great comfort to the family.
Baby steps
When you've successfully helped your baby to sleep throughout the night in their crib by their bedside it's time to think about an upgrade. This is when they transition from the co-sleeper to a standalone cot and this is a daunting task for many parents. With some planning, the transition will be effortless.
A bedside crib is a specifically designed for infants that lets babies sleep in a safe and secure position next to their parents in their beds. Sometimes, it is referred to as a co-sleeper crib or side sleeping bassinet the crib attaches to the parent's mattress so they can easily reach their child at any time of the night without having to leave the bed.
The Lullaby Trust, along with the NHS recommend that your baby sleeps in your bedroom for the first six-months. However, you should not allow your child to sleep in your bed because of the danger of suffocation or overheating. A bedside crib is a safe and practical alternative to sleeping your baby in the same space as you, ensuring you a better night's sleep.
The ideal crib for bed is well-built, sturdy and has a safe mattress. It is recommended to select one with a cool design to ensure that your child won't overheat. This will keep them cool throughout the night long. It is also important to ensure that the crib matches your bed's style. For instance, certain cribs are compatible with divan beds and others with standard frames.
Many experts recommend the use of a crib during awake times throughout the day, too so that your baby is comfortable with their new sleeping space. During these times, you could place your child in their crib for a short period of time while you're in the room. This will help them become accustomed to the feel of their crib while they're awake, which will make the switch to sleeping in it much easier for both of you.
Mum tester Jasmine loved that the bedside crib has a storage compartment under it. This is great to store extra nappies and blankets. She also noted that it was the ideal size. It's bigger than standard Moses baskets, but it's not as big as larger cradles.