Bedside Cot Bed
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or side sleeper) connects to the parent's bed for secure co-sleeping. It allows you to easily reach your baby for feeding and comforting at night, without disturbing your own sleep.
It is essential to ensure that the crib is anchored securely and that it's regularly checked for any gaps that could create dangers to suffocation. Some cribs can be transformed into cots for your baby with conversion kits.
Safety
Bedside cribs are similar to bassinets for babies however they are attached to your mattress instead of being placed on the ground. They're popular with parents who want their child to be easily accessible for feeding, comforting and night-time diaper changes. They are also an important component of safe cosleeping, or rooming in.
You'll need to select a mattress for your cot that fits snugly into the cot bed, regardless of whether you choose to use an adjustable bed or a sliding one. Ensure that it doesn't sag or have any bulges and that it meets safety standards as well as the Lullaby Trust's guidelines. Check that the mattress is clean, free of tears and cracks and is free of loose threads.
The close proximity of a bedside crib allows mothers to easily respond to their newborns needs throughout the night, such as breastfeeding or bottle feeding and aiding them in maintaining their milk supply. They can also feed their babies without having to wake up or get out of bed and promote healthy sleeping habits for both babies and parents.
Most bedside cots have mesh connected to the sides to keep infants from being trapped or strangled. Make sure to regularly inspect the mesh to check for tears or loose threads which could catch or entangle the baby's clothes. Also, ensure there aren't any other dangers such as the protruding handles or bars which could cause your child to get out of bed. Check for any plastic that is hot to the touch, and avoid any sharp edges.
Convenience
A bedside cot allows you to keep your baby close so you can respond to their needs throughout the night without the need to get away from your bed. The closeness of the cot can make it easier to feed them, change them and comfort them when they wake up especially in the early stages of parenthood, promoting better sleep for you both. It can be helpful in creating a breastfeeding connection.
This kind of infant sleeping solution is also referred to as a sidecar sleeper or bedside bassinet. It's a form of safe co-sleeping that lowers the risk of suffering from sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It allows babies to sleep with their parents and is a great way for mums to establish an intimate breastfeeding relationship and assist them to get more sleep during the first few months following birth.
Many models come with a drop-down or removable side that lets you lift the baby out of the crib without having to get out of your bed, making it easy to take care of the needs of your baby during the night. Some even come with an option for manual rocking that can be useful for babies that are suffering from reflux. Many of these types of cribs are smaller than moses or a standard cot basket, which makes them less bulky and takes up less room.
Some beds come with a storage space beneath, which is ideal to store nappies and blankets. It's also a useful storage space for toys and other baby-related items. Some are convertible, which means they can be converted from a side-sleeper into a full-sized bed or toddler bed as your child grows older.
Jasmine, a MFM mother and home tester Jasmine, a home tester and MFM mum, describes the MoMi Smart Bed as "a excellent choice for your little one", saying that it's not overly large or bulky. This means it won't take up a lot of space in your bedroom. She also appreciated that it has two different sleeping heights so you can adjust it based on your baby's age.
Styles
Bedside cots, also known as bassinets that are stylish, can be attached to your bed. They let you lower the crib's side so that it is within your reach during the night for feeding or relaxing. They are also great for mothers who are recovering from a c-section because they don't require you to climb up to reach your child. If wooden bedside cot about this kind of cot bed, search for models that can be securely attached to the bed of the parent and are compatible with your specific bed frame. Some models come with an adjustable 4th wall that can be lowered when not in use to keep your child secure.
Budget
If you're considering buying a bedside crib, you need to think about the budget you have. They are more expensive than a moses's basket or cot, however they are available at a cost that is suitable for most budgets. You'll require an infant crib mattress that is safe for infants and an airy and soft set of bedding. You can buy these on the internet, with add-ons like a teether, blanket, or a cuddly toy, as a complete set.
Consider a 4-in-1 or sliding crib as an alternative to a bedside cot. These are similar to a bedside cot bed however they can be put in place next to your bed with no gaps between them. They can also be converted into a regular mattress once your child is old enough to use them. They are also great for those with limited space. They have features such as a tilt or drop-down side to make it easier to access your baby. The only downside is that they tend to last for just 6 months, which means you'll need to transfer your baby into a cot or moses shell at this point.