Transitioning From Moses Basket to Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib, or co-sleeper, lets your baby sleep safely close to your bed. Many come with extra features, like rockers, music and night lights.
The Shnuggle Air also comes with a conversion kit for cots and mattress, which expands your little one's cosy, 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 level of comfort for babies as a bedding wrap without the dangers that blankets carry. They are a great option for parents who are looking to transition their baby from the Moses basket to a cot or bedside crib. The sleep sacks have been made with safety in mind and adhere to strict European standards. They also allow parents to play with their child throughout the night, encouraging intimacy and bonding. This is important for promoting healthy sleep patterns and the development of brain connections that are essential to the development.
Experts believe that a crib near your bed is the most secure option for your baby. However, it's important be aware that your baby is likely to become more mobile after they reach the age of six months old. This means that they'll likely want to roll, crawl and eventually sit up during their naps and at night. This is why it is so crucial to move your child from the basket to a crib at the appropriate time.
Around four months old, babies who are at this stage will be ready to move out of their moses basket and into a cot/cradle. It all is dependent on the child. The signs that your baby is ready include rolling over during their sleep or pushing their arms up when lying on their tummy and getting uncomfortable in their bassinet.
It is crucial to select a sleeping bag that is fitted well and is not too tight or loose. It's important to choose the correct tog that is appropriate for your baby's body temperature. You can also change it as the weather changes. Keep blankets in a secure place because they can block the baby's breathing, causing overheated.
Once your baby is settled into their cot, make sure that they're not near any heat sources such as radiators or windows that receive direct sunlight. Make sure that all baby monitors and curtains cables are out of reach. Remember that your child is less capable than you to regulate your body temperature, so they are more prone to overheating.
Blankets
Baby blankets make a great addition to any cot or bedside crib and it's normal for new parents to want to protect their baby with a warm blanket before they lay them down to sleep. It is not recommended to use a blanket for an infant crib cover. This could increase the risk of SIDS, suffocation or even entrapment. The best option is a sturdy, well-fitted sheet that covers the mattress. A blanket is a good option as a top layer but should never be used to cover the baby's face. It should be able to move around enough to allow airflow.
Many cases of suffocation that is accidental in infants are caused by soft bedding such as pillows, blankets and toys. The blanket can suffocate the baby when it is too tight or it restricts the baby's breathing. It also happens when the blanket is tangled or twisted in the crib corners.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you wait until your baby reaches the age of one year before using a blanket for their bassinet or crib. Research has proven that blankets can increase the risk of SIDS for newborns and infants when they sleep on their backs. The AAP suggests avoiding crib bumpers and pillows, and sheepskin blankets and stuffed toys in the crib. These items increase the risk of suffocation.
You can use blankets to cover your convertible cot to keep warm. To keep the blanket from slipping away it is essential to make sure that it is secured into place. Alternatively, you can use swaddles or sleep sacks to keep your baby warm throughout the night.
A portable bedside crib is an alternative. It attaches securely on the parent's bed, allowing for an easy transition from a sleeper bed to a toddler bed. This type of crib is lightweight and portable, making it simple to transport between rooms. Many also have a conversion kit so that you can convert the crib to a standalone cot as your child grows. If you're looking for a portable crib, ensure you select one that is in line with current British or European safety standards.
Cuddles
A bedside crib is an excellent way to keep baby close throughout the night without having to get out of bed to feed. They're a great option for mums recovering from c-section who require to reach baby easily, and they are also great at helping babies start to get used to their own space while remaining close to their parents.
It is essential to select a crib that is suitable for your bed. Find a crib that has safety straps and harnesses that can be clipped on securely. Check the height the crib is compatible with, since some cribs won't work with a high bed frame. Some cribs come with additional features, like the reflux slope or storage shelf. But, they're not essential if you want the simplest solution.
You can also pick cribs with a pivoting base that allows you to move the baby easily around the room which is ideal if you have an awkward space or small bedroom. You should also think about 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 make it a larger baby cot or moses basket?
Cuddle cots are also becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to a sleeping bag. They allow you to remain in the same bedroom with your child during their first few weeks of life. This is particularly beneficial for those who are struggling to sleep or suffer from post-natal depression. Charlotte Szakacs and her husband Attila were devastated when their daughter Evlyn, who was born with a rare chromosomal disorder passed away just four weeks later. However, they were able to spend 16 days in their cuddle bed. The couple documented their time with Evlyn on Instagram which was a huge source of comfort for the rest of the family.
Baby steps
It's time to move up. It is at this point that they'll move from a co-sleeper to a standalone crib. This is a daunting task for parents of all ages. With a little planning, the transition could be smooth.
A crib that is placed on the bed allows children to sleep with their parents in a safe and secure space. Sometimes, it is referred to as a co-sleeper crib or side sleeping bassinet, the crib is attached to the mattress of the parent so that they can easily reach their child during the night without needing to get out of bed.
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that your newborn sleeps in the same space as you for the first six months but not in your bed due to the risk of overheating and suffocation. A crib that is placed near the bed can be a convenient and safe alternative to letting your child sleep in the same bed as you. This will ensure you a better night's rest.
amazon bedside cot for bed is well-built, sturdy and has a sturdy mattress. It is recommended to pick one with a cool design to ensure that your child will not get too hot. This will also keep them cool throughout the night long. You'll also want to ensure the crib is compatible with your bed's style - for example, some models work with divan beds whereas others can be used with standard frames.
Many experts recommend using a crib for awake times throughout the day, too to help your baby become comfortable with their new sleeping area. In these times you could try putting your baby in the crib for short intervals while you're in the room. This will help them become accustomed to the feel of their crib while they are still awake, which can make the transition to sleeping in it easier for both of you.
Mum tester Jasmine stated that she loved the aspect that this particular bedside crib had an under-bed storage space it, which is perfect for stashing spare nappies and blankets. She also noted that it was the ideal size. It's bigger than standard Moses baskets, but it's not as large as some full-sized cribs.