Bedside Cot Bed

A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or side sleeper) attaches to the parent's bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. You can easily reach your child at night for feedings and comforting without disturbing your sleep.

It is essential to make sure that the crib is secured securely and regularly checked for any gaps that could be a suffocation hazard. Certain cribs can be turned into cots for your baby with conversion kits.

Safety

Bedside beds are similar to bassinets for babies however they are attached to the mattress you already have instead of being placed on the ground. They're very popular with parents who want their newborn to be within reach for feeding, comforting and even for night-time diaper changes. They're also an essential part of safe cosleeping or rooming in.

Whether you choose a sliding bed or a 4-in-1 bedside crib with changing table sleeper, you'll need a compatible cot mattress that fits the bed snugly. Make sure it doesn't slide or bulge, and that it complies with safety standards such as the Lullaby trust's guidelines. If you're purchasing a second-hand crib mattress, make sure it's clean and free from tears or cracks, and isn't brimming with threads that your child could entangle themselves in.

A crib placed close to the bed allows mothers to react quickly to their newborns needs, whether it is bottle-feeding or breastfeeding. This will help them maintain their milk supply. Also, they can feed their babies without getting up or get out of bed. This encourages healthy sleep habits for parents and infants.

Most bedside cot beds are equipped with mesh that is securely fixed to the sides of the cot to minimize the chance of a baby getting stuck or strangled in the gaps. Check the mesh regularly to check for tears or loose threads which could catch or entangle the baby's clothing. Also, ensure that there are no other dangers, like protruding bars or handles which could cause your child to climb out of the bed. Also, look out for parts made of plastic that could be hot to the touch and avoid any sharp edges or splinters.

Convenience

A bedside cot allows you to keep your baby close by so that you can attend to their needs throughout the night, without having to move out of your own bed. This proximity can make it easier to feed them, change them and comfort them when they wake up, particularly in the early stages of parenting, which can lead to better sleep for you both. It can be beneficial in creating a breastfeeding connection.

This kind of infant sleep solution is also known as a sidecar sleeper, or bedside bassinet. It's a method of safe co-sleeping that reduces the risks associated with sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It allows babies to sleep close to parents, which helps mothers establish a breastfeeding bond and get more sleep during the first few months following the birth.

Many models come with a drop-down or removable side that allows you to take the baby out of the crib without having to leave your bed, which makes it easy to take care of the needs of your baby at night. Some even come with an option for manual rocking bedside crib which is particularly helpful for resettling babies who suffer from reflux. They are usually smaller than a moses basket or a standard cot, and therefore take up less space.

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

Jasmine is an MFM mum and home tester, describes the MoMi Smart Bed as "a great option for your child", saying that it is not too large or bulky. This means it won't take up a lot of space in your bedroom. She also liked the fact that it has two sleeping heights, so you can alter it according to your baby's age.

Styles

Bedside cots, also known as bassinets in style, attach to your bed. They allow you to lower one side of your crib so that it is easily accessible during the night for feeding or soothing. They're also a godsend for mothers who've had a csection, since they don't require you to get up to reach your baby, and they can help speed up recovery time. If you're thinking about this kind of cot, look for ones that are securely attached to the bed of the parent and are compatible with your specific bed frame. Some models have an adjustable 4th wall that can be lowered when not in use to keep your child safe.

Budget

If you're planning to purchase a wooden bedside cot baby crib, you must consider your budget. They're more expensive than a moses' basket or cot, but they are available at a price that suits most budgets. You'll require a crib mattress that is safe for infants as well as a comfortable and breathable set of bedding. These are available online, with optional accessories such as a blanket or a teether.

Consider a 4-in-1 bedside crib or sliding crib as an alternative to the bedside cot. These are similar to a cot however, you can slide them to the side of your bed with no gaps between and they can also be transformed into a regular bed when your baby outgrows them. They are also ideal if you don't have much space in your home, and come with features like a drop-down side or tilt to provide easy access to your baby. The only downside is that they typically last for only 6 months, so you'll have to put your baby into a cot or a moses ' shell after this time.