Good sleep is important for the growth and development of your baby. But how do you, as parents, ensure that your baby has a safe place to sleep? And do you opt for a co-sleeper or a cot? And when from co-sleeper to cot? We answer all these questions in this blog.

Why a co-sleeper?

A trend that has become increasingly popular in recent years is co-sleeping. In co-sleeping, the mother and father sleep in the same room with the baby. The baby often sleeps in a co-sleeper, a cradle that you slide against the bed. Co-sleeping promotes your baby's brain development and ensures better bonding between mother and baby. Want to know more about the benefits of co-sleeping? You can read that here .

Co-sleeper or crib?

A co-sleeper is a safe place to sleep for your baby, but only for the first 3 to 6 months. You then switch from co-sleeper to crib. A co-sleeper is no longer safe when your baby is 6 months old. This is because your baby then becomes more mobile and can roll over and sit. It can then roll against the side or even fall out of the co-sleeper into your bed. You will also notice that the co-sleeper simply becomes too small. A co-sleeper is a wonderful place for your baby to sleep in for the first few months. It gives the sheltered feeling of the uterus. You can also place a co-sleeper against your bed, so that your baby is close to you.

A cot is also a safe sleeping place for your baby, because the side walls consist of bars. Because the bars are open, your child cannot become short of breath if he comes to lie with his mouth and nose against the side wall while turning. A cot is suitable until your baby is about 3 years old.

So whether you choose a co-sleeper or let your baby sleep directly in a cot is entirely up to you. If you opt for a co-sleeper, it is important that you switch from a co-sleeper to a cot as soon as your child is about 6 months old or starts rolling over.

When from co-sleeper to crib

You switch from co-sleeper to cot when your child starts rolling or sitting. You use a co-sleeper for a relatively short time. Usually a co-sleeper is no longer safe after 6 months, because your child is too big. By this age, most babies can roll and sit independently. It is therefore advisable to take out the crib or co-sleeper around this period and let your baby sleep in his or her cot.

What should you pay attention to when purchasing a co-sleeper?

A co-sleeper is a relatively new product. That is why there are no safety requirements yet. So make sure that the co-sleeper at least meets the following points:

• Adjustable . Beds often differ in heights. One has a low bed, while the other has a high bed. Always make sure that the co-sleeper is adjustable, so that there is no difference in height between your mattress and that of your baby.
• Confirm . A co-sleeper must be properly attached to its own bed. This is to prevent the co-sleeper from shifting. If this happens, a gap can arise where your baby can fall between.
• Foldable side. All sides of a co-sleeper must be fully raised. When you and your baby go to sleep, the side should not be open. This prevents the baby from rolling into the bed. So don't forget to fold the side back when you've breastfed, or after comforting or cuddling.

What should you pay attention to when purchasing a cot?

When you switch from a co-sleeper to a cot you should pay attention to the following things:

1. Dimensions - It is important that the crib is not too small for your baby. For sufficient room to move, the cot must be at least 55 cm wide, and there must be at least 20 cm of play in the length. You measure this from your baby's head.
2. Finish - Of course you don't want your child to get hurt. It is therefore important that the surface of the cot is splinter-free and smooth. Protruding (button-shaped) parts are also not recommended, because your baby can get caught on them.
3. Bottom - A slatted base is recommended for the best ventilation. Your baby cannot get too warm while sleeping. Furthermore, the bottom must be adjustable, so that you do not have to bend too far and your baby does not fall out later. In the lowest position, the side walls must be at least 55 cm high. In the height position, this distance must still be at least 20 cm.
4. Mattress - It is important for the mattress that it fits well in the cot and that the mattress does not curl up. In principle, the thickness of the mattress does not matter, but make sure that it is not too thick. Your baby can then sink into it with its face, which can pose a choking hazard.
5. Side walls - The side walls must be at least 60 cm high. Measured from the bed base.

Rent a co-sleeper?

So you switch from co-sleeper to crib when your baby is about 6 months old. So you use it very briefly. That is why it can be a solution to rent them instead of buying them. Renting not only saves costs, but is also good for the environment. With us it is possible to rent a co-sleeper. We offer 3 different types.

1. Co-sleeper Bednest - The bednest is a co-sleeper and crib in one. You can also use it as a moses basket and as a travel cot. You set it up in just 20 seconds, it is easy to fold and it is made of high-quality beech wood. The Bednest can be adjusted in height up to 72 cm. You can rent it from €35 per month.
2. Chicco Next2Me Magic - You can also use this co-sleeper as a cradle. It fits on any bed and it can be placed in 4 different positions and it has a rocking position. You can rent it from €25 per month.
3. Co-sleeper white wood - This cradle can also be used as a co-sleeper. It is suitable to place next to a box spring and it is adjustable in height. You can also easily open the gate with one hand. This co-sleeper can be rented from €22.50 per month. When you switch from co-sleeper to crib is completely up to you, as long as you make sure that when your child can roll or sit that you switch to a crib.

From co-sleeper to crib: prevent accidents

When changing from a co-sleeper to a crib, it is important to avoid accidents. Therefore, do not place pillows or cuddly toys in a co-sleeper or crib anyway. Your little one can then become short of breath if he or she rolls into it. Furthermore, the following matters are important when your child changes from a co-sleeper to a cot:

• Make the bed properly . You do this by making the bed short and tight. It is important that your baby has his feet only a short distance from the foot of the bed.
• Place the crib away from a window. When your baby is a little older, he can climb from the cot into the window sill and possibly fall.
• Do not place the cot near curtains, cords or cords. Your baby can get stuck in it and become short of breath.