Transitioning From Moses Basket to Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper, lets your baby sleep safely near your bed. Many come with extra features, such as rockers and music.
The Shnuggle Air comes with a cot mattress and conversion kit that transforms your child's secure, cosy sleeping space into a chic cot. Our mum testers loved this clever feature.
Sleeping bag
Baby sleeping bags provide the same level of comfort for infants as a blanket without the risks associated with blankets. These bags are an excellent choice for parents looking to transition from a Moses basket to a crib or cot. The sleep sacks are made with safety and strict European standards in mind. The sleep sacks allow parents to interact and connect with their children throughout the night. This is essential for encouraging healthy sleep patterns and the development of brain connections that are essential to the development.
Experts agree that a crib beside your bed is the best option for your baby. However, it's important keep in mind that your baby will become more mobile after they reach around six months of age. This means they'll likely want to roll and crawl before eventually sitting up during naps and at night. This makes it even more crucial to move your baby from their moses basket to an appropriate cot at the right time for them.
Around four months old, babies who have reached this age will be able to move out of their moses baskets and into a cot/cradle. But, it all depends on the child. Signs that your baby is ready include rolling over in their sleep or pushing up on their arms while lying on their stomachs and getting uncomfortable in their bassinet.
It is essential to select the right sleeping bag that fits well and isn't too tight nor too loose. Make sure that it's the correct tog for your baby's temperature, and alter the tog as the weather changes. Keep blankets in a secure place, as they could obstruct the baby's breathing and cause excessive heat.
After your baby is settled into their cot, be sure they are not too near any heat sources such as windows or radiators that get direct sunlight. Make sure that all baby monitors and curtains cables are out of reach. Keep in mind that your baby isn't as able to regulate their temperature than you are, so they'll be more prone to overheating.
Blankets
Baby blankets make a lovely accessory to any crib or cot. It's only natural that new parents are keen to blanket their children with a cozy blanket before they go to bed. However the use of blankets in a crib is not suitable for infants and may increase the risk of SIDS, suffocation, or entrapment. The best solution is a fitted sheet that covers your mattress. As a top layer, blankets can be used. It should not be too tight and should be loose to allow airflow.
Many infants drown when they are wrapped in soft bedding such as pillows, blankets and toys. bedside cot crib can suffocate the baby when it is too tight or if it impedes breathing for the baby. It can also happen when the blanket is tangled or twisted in the crib corners.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests waiting until your baby is at minimum one year old before allowing them to use blankets in the crib or bassinet. This is because studies have shown that blankets increase the risk of SIDS in infants and newborns particularly when they are positioned on their backs to sleep. The AAP suggests that you stay clear of crib bumpers and pillows and sheepskin blankets and toys that are stuffed in the crib. These items increase the risk of suffocation.
If you own a convertible cot or convertible-to-divan, then you can also use a blanket for warmth or as a bed cover. To prevent the blanket from coming loose it is crucial to ensure that it is securely tucked into place. You can also make use of swaddles, sleep sacks, or swa to keep your baby warm during the night.
Another alternative is a bedside crib, which attaches securely to the side of the parent's bed for a seamless transition from a toddler bed to a sleeper bed. This type crib is light and mobile, making it easy to transport between rooms. A majority of cribs come with a kit that permits you to turn the crib into a cot once your child gets older. When looking for a portable cot, ensure that it is in compliance with the current British or European safety standards.
Cuddles
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close to you throughout the night without having to get up in order to feed them. They are a great choice for mothers recovering from a c-section who require the ability to reach baby quickly, and are also excellent at helping babies get used to their own space while remaining close to their parents.
When choosing a crib, it is important to choose one that fits well with your bed - look for one that has safety straps or harnesses to securely attach to your bed. Double-check the height compatibility of your crib because some cribs aren't suitable with a high bed frame. Some come with additional features, such as a reflux incline or a storage shelves, but they aren't necessary if you're looking for the most simple solution.
You can also pick a crib with a swivel base which allows you to move the baby easily around the room - perfect if you have a small or awkward bedroom. It is also important to consider how portable the crib will be. Do you want it to easily move from one place to another, or could it detach and/or fold flat to transform into a bigger baby cot or moses basket?
Cuddle cots have also become more popular as an alternative to sleeping bags. They allow you to remain in the same room with your child during their first few weeks of life. This is particularly beneficial when you're struggling to fall asleep, 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, but 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 huge comfort for the family.
Baby steps
After you've helped your child sleep throughout the night in their bedside crib, it's time to consider the possibility of a step up. At this point, it is the time that they'll move from a co-sleeper to a separate crib. This is a daunting task for a lot of parents. But, with time and planning the transition from Moses basket to cot may be a smooth one.
A bedside crib is a specially designed infant sleeping solution that lets babies sleep safely close to their parents in their beds. The crib, also known as a cosleeper or side sleeping bassinet attaches to the bed of a parent to allow parents to reach their child in the middle night without having to get out of bed.
The Lullaby Trust, along with the NHS, recommend that your baby sleep in your bedroom for the first six months. However it is not recommended that you let your child sleep in your bed due to the possibility of overheating and suffocation. A bedside crib is a safe and convenient alternative to letting your baby sleep in the same room as you, which will give you a more peaceful night's sleep.
The ideal crib for bed should be sturdy and well-made with an incredibly secure mattress. A breathable design is best so that your baby doesn't overheat and remain at ease throughout the night. It is also important to ensure that the crib is compatible with your bed style For instance, certain models can be used with divan beds whereas others work with standard frames.
Many experts suggest using a crib for awake times during the day so that your baby is comfortable with their new sleeping area. During these times you could try putting your baby in the crib for short periods while you're in your room. This can help them to get used to the feeling of their crib even when they're awake, which can make the transition to sleep in it easier for both of you.
Mum tester Jasmine said she was awed by the aspect that this particular crib with a bedside has an underneath storage area it, which is perfect for storing blankets, spare blankets and nappies. She also believes it's the perfect size, saying that it's larger than the standard Moses baskets but not as big as some larger cribs.