Bedside Cot Bed

A small bedside cot crib, also known as a bassinet, or side sleeper, attaches to the bed of a parent and allows for safe cosleeping. It is easy to reach your child at night for feedings and comforting without disrupting your sleep.

It is important to ensure that the crib is attached securely and regularly checked for any gaps that could pose as dangers to suffocation. Some cribs can also be converted, with conversion kits to transform them into standalone baby cribs as your baby grows.

Safety

bedside travel crib 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 baby to be easily accessible for feeding, comforting and at nighttime diaper changes. They're also an essential part of safe cosleeping or rooming in.

You'll need to choose a mattress for your cot that fits snugly into the cot bed, whether you choose a sliding bed. It shouldn't sag, bulge or slide. It must also be in compliance with safety standards, such as those of the Lullaby Trust. If you're purchasing a second-hand crib mattress, ensure that it's free of tears or cracks, and isn't brimming with threads that your child could become entangled in.

The close proximity of a crib at bedtime allows mothers to quickly respond to their infants need during the night, such as feeding their babies with bottles and breastfeeding, as well as helping them to maintain their milk supply. They can also feed their babies without having to fully wake up or get out of bed and promote healthy sleeping habits for both infants and parents.

Most bedside cot mattress cot beds are fitted with a mesh that's securely attached to the sides of the cot, reducing the chance of a baby getting stuck or strangled in the gaps. It is important to check the mesh for tears or loose threads that could get caught or catch baby's clothing and ensure there aren't any other dangers like protruding handles or bars that could encourage your child to climb out of the cot bed. Likewise, look for any plastic parts that may be hot to the touch and avoid any sharp edges or splinters.

Convenience

A bedside travel cot travel cot bedside allows you to keep your baby close so you can be able to respond to their needs throughout the night, without the need to get out of your own bed. The closeness of the cot can make it easier to feed them or change them, and also comfort them when they wake up, particularly in the early stages of parenting, which can lead to better sleep for both of you. It is beneficial in creating a breastfeeding connection.

This kind of infant sleeping solution is also referred to as a sidecar sleeper or bedside bassinet, and it's a form of safe co-sleeping which reduces the risks associated with sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It lets babies sleep with their parents, which helps mothers establish a breastfeeding bond and sleep better in the first few months after birth.

The majority of cribs have an adjustable or drop-down side that lets you take the baby out of the crib without having to leave your bed, making it easier to attend to the needs of your baby during the night. Some models also have a manual rocking function which is particularly helpful for resettling babies who are suffering from reflux. They are usually smaller than a moses basket or standard cot, and therefore take up less space.

Some beds have a storage area underneath, which is great to store nappies and blankets. It's also a good place to store toys and other baby items. Some convertible beds means they can be transformed from a side-sleeper to an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed as your child gets older.

Jasmine Jasmine, an MFM mom and home tester The MoMi Smart Bed as "a fantastic choice for your baby" she says it's not overly large or heavy. This means it won't take up a lot of space in your bedroom. She also loved that it has two different sleeping heights so that you can adjust it based on your baby's age.

Styles

Bedside cots are bassinet-style cots which attach to your bed and allow you to lower one side of the crib to your reach for nighttime feeding or soothing. They're also a blessing for mothers who've had a c-section, as you don't need to get out of bed to reach your baby, and they can speed the recovery process. If you're thinking about this kind of cot, look for models that can be securely attached to the parent's bed and are compatible with your specific bed frame. Some models come with a removable 4th wall which can be removed when not in use to keep your child secure.

Budget

If you're planning to purchase a bedside baby crib, you should think about your budget. These are generally more expensive than a cot, or a moses basket, but you can find one that fits most budgets with some good online shopping. You'll also require a baby-safe mattress for the crib, and a comfortable and breathable bedding set. They can be bought online, with optional accessories like a teether or blanket.

Consider a 4-in-1 or sliding crib as an alternative to a bedside cot. They're similar to a bedside cot however they can be put in the bed without gaps. They can also be transformed into a regular mattress once your child is old enough to use them. They are also ideal 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 drawback to these is that they're only able to last up to six months. You'll need to transfer your child into the moses-shell or cot following this period.