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Cots, cribs or co-sleeping. What’s best for your baby?
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when you’re pregnant is where your baby will sleep. The most obvious choice would be a cot but you actually have a few more options to consider. You may only go for one of them or if you’re anything like me, try a few of them before finding one that works for your family. Whatever your choice, it’s important to make sure that your baby’s sleep space is safe for them. The recommendation is to have your baby sleep on his back or side. Not all babies like to be swaddled but if they do it’s recommended that they only be swaddled until they’re able to roll over. Let’s have a look at your options for baby’s sleeping arrangements:
Moses basket
The classic Moses basket is what we started out with for our first born. Moses baskets take their name from the basket Moses was put in as he was sent down the river to safety. They are usually made from strong wicker, are easy to move around and are small enough to keep in your room before you move your baby to a bigger cot in their nursery in around 3-4 months. It’s a good option for the first few months when doctors recommend that babies sleep in the same room as their parents.
Bed sharing
I was a very nervous first mother though so I kept getting up for every little noise that came from my son’s Moses basket. Eventually he just ended up in bed with us but we made sure he was safe. He was never under the blankets with us but rather on top of the duvet with his own lightweight blanket, sleeping on his back. Because bed sharing can increase the risk of SIDS, if you choose to go this route you have to take safety precautions. In the early months it’s recommended to use a snuggle nest for baby. Once baby has outgrown that and moved onto your mattress, make sure that it is quite firm and that baby sleeps with his own blanket. If you are a smoker, are under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any type of sedative medication that causes heavy sleep then having your baby in bed with you is highly discouraged.
Co-sleeper
If you do want your baby closer but are not comfortable with having him in bed with you then consider a co-sleeper that attaches to the side of your bed. Hauck’s Face to Me sleeper is a fantastic option. It can be individually adjusted up to a height of 86 cm, making it the ideal solution for higher beds like box-spring beds. In addition, the side lowers so you will be close to your baby at night. Co-sleepers are fantastic for parents who need their own space in bed but your baby is still within arm’s reach if she needs a feed or a snuggle.
Cot
Once baby is a bit older and everyone needs their own space, it’s time to move baby to a cot. Whether you choose a wooden cot or a camp cot, they are great for toddlers who are prone to roll around and move in their sleep now. A cot is an ideal place for your older baby or toddler up until the age of 3. Even though some children need their own space to help them learn how to self-soothe, they feel safer and are more comfortable in small spaces. So a cot is a good way to promote better sleeping patterns in your child.
For more info on cots and sleeping options, browse the Hauck store. https://www.hauck.co.za/collections/travel-beds
About the Author:
Zayaan Schroeder is a mother to two kids and is passionate about making their childhood memorable and happy. She has been a parenting journalist for 10 years and also runs a parenting blog called Surviving the Madness dedicated to making things easier for moms. You can follow her on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/survivingmadness