Bedside Cot Bed

A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet, or side sleeper, is attached to the bed of a parent and allows secure cosleeping. It lets you easily reach your baby's bed for feeding and comforting at night, without disturbing your own sleep.

It's important that the crib is secure and regularly checked for gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation. Some cribs can be converted into cots for the growing baby using conversion kits.

Safety

Bedside cribs are similar to baby bassinets however, they attach to your mattress instead of sitting on the ground. They're very popular with parents who want their baby bedside sleeper to be close enough for feeding, comforting and even for night-time diaper changes. They're also an essential element of a safe cosleeping or rooming in.

Whether you choose a sliding bed or a 4-in-1 bedside sleeper, you'll need an appropriate cot mattress that fits into the bed snugly. Be sure that it doesn't slump or bulge, and that it complies with safety standards as well as the Lullaby Trust's guidelines. If you're buying a secondhand crib mattress, make sure it's clean and free from cracks or tears and isn't brimming with threads that your baby could entangle themselves in.

The close proximity of a bedside crib allows mothers to respond to their infants' needs during the night, including feeding them with bottles or breastfeeding, and aiding them in maintaining their milk supply. They can also feed their infants without having to fully wake up or get up to get up. This promotes healthy sleeping habits for both parents and babies.

Most bedside cot beds are equipped with mesh that is securely attached to the sides of the cot to reduce the possibility of a child getting caught or trapped in the gaps. It is essential to check the mesh for tears or loose threads that could strangle or catch baby's clothing and ensure there aren't any other hazards like protruding handles or bars that could encourage your newborn to get out of the cot. Check for any plastic that is hot to the touch, and stay away from any sharp edges.

Convenience

Keep your baby close to you to be able to respond to his or her needs at any time throughout the night without having to leave your bed. This proximity will make it easier to feed them, change them and comfort them when they awake especially in the initial stages of parenthood, encouraging better sleep for you both. It can be beneficial in establishing a breastfeeding connection.

This kind of infant sleep solution is also referred to as a sidecar sleeper, or bedside bassinet, and it's a type of safe co-sleeping that lowers the risks associated with sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It allows babies to sleep close to their parents, which is an ideal way for mums to establish the bond of breastfeeding and also help them sleep better in those first months after the birth.

Many models come with an adjustable or drop-down side that allows you to lift the baby from the crib without having to get out of your bed, making it easy to tend to the needs of your baby during the night. Some models include a manual rocking bedside crib feature which is especially beneficial for babies with reflux. These cribs are often smaller than a moses basket or a standard cot, which means they take up less space.

Some beds have a storage area underneath, which is great to store nappies and blankets. It's also a great storage area for toys and other baby accessories. There are some that are convertible, which means they can change from a side-sleeper to a full-sized crib, or toddler bed as your child gets older.

Home tester and MFM mum Jasmine describes the MoMi Smart BED as "a great option for your baby," saying it's not too large or bulky, which means it won't take up too much space in the bedroom. She also liked that it has two different sleeping heights so that you can adjust it based on your baby's age.

Styles

bedside rocking crib cots are bassinet-style cots that fix to your bed and let you lower one side of the crib into your reach for night-time feeding or soothing. They're also an excellent option for mothers who've had a c-section, as you don't have to get out of bed to reach your baby, and they can help speed the recovery process. Find cot beds that are compatible with the frame of your choice and securely attach to the mattress of the parent. Some models also come with a detachable 4th wall that can be lowered down when not in use to ensure your baby's safety and out of danger.

Budget

If you're looking to buy a bedside crib, it's essential to consider the budget you have available. They're generally more expensive than a cot, or a moses basket, but you can find them to fit the majority of budgets through online shopping. You'll require a crib mattress that's safe for babies and a soft and breathable set of bedding. You can buy them online and add accessories such as 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 cot however, you can slide them into the space beside your bed without gaps and they can also be transformed into a regular mattress as your baby grows out of them. They are also great for those who have a small space. They have features like tilt or drop down side to facilitate access to your baby. The only drawback is that they typically last only up to 6 months, meaning that you'll have to put your baby to a cot or a moses ' shell after this time.