Bedside Cot Bed
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a side sleeper, is attached to the bed of a parent and allows safe cosleeping. You can easily reach your child at night for feedings and comforting without disturbing your sleep.
It is important to ensure that the crib is secured securely and regularly checked for any gaps that could create an suffocation risk. Some cribs can be converted with conversion kits that convert them into standalone cots as your baby grows.
Safety
Bedside cribs are similar to baby bassinets, but they attach to your existing mattress instead of being placed on the ground. They're very popular with parents who want their newborn to be close enough for feeding, comforting and at nighttime diaper changes. They're also a key component of safe cosleeping (also called rooming-in) and reduce the risk of SIDS.
You'll need to choose a mattress for your cot that is a perfect fit for the bed of your cot, whether you choose the sliding bed. Make sure it doesn't slide or bulge, and that it complies with safety standards such as the Lullaby trust's guidelines. Make sure the mattress is clean, free of cracks and tears and is free of loose threads.
The close proximity of a crib at bedtime allows mothers to quickly respond to their newborns need during the night, including feeding their babies with bottles and breastfeeding, as well as helping them maintain their milk supply. They can also feed their babies without having to wake up or get up and promote healthy sleep habits in both babies and parents.
Most bedside cot beds are fitted with a mesh that's securely attached to the sides of the cot, reducing the chance of a baby being trapped or entangled in the gaps. Make sure to regularly inspect the mesh to check for tears or loose threads that could catch or entangle the baby's clothes. Also, make sure that there aren't any other hazards, such as the protruding handles or bars that could encourage your child to get out of bed. Look out for baby bedside sleeper that is hot to the touch, and stay away from any sharp edges.
Convenience
You can keep your baby close to you so that you can attend to his or her needs at any time during the night without having to leave your bed. The closeness of the cot can make it easier to feed them, change them and comfort them when they awake, particularly in the early stages of parenting, which can lead to better sleep for you both. It is beneficial in establishing a breastfeeding bond.
This type of infant sleep solution is also called a bedside bassinet or sidecar. It's a safe form of co-sleeping, which lowers the chance of suffering from sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It lets babies sleep close to parents, which helps mums establish a breastfeeding connection and sleep better in the first few months following birth.
The majority of cribs have a drop-down or removable side that allows you to lift the baby out of the crib without having to leave your bed, making it easier to tend to the needs of your baby during the night. Some even come with a manual rocking function, which can be particularly useful for babies that are suffering from reflux. These cribs are typically smaller than a moses basket or a standard cot, and therefore are smaller and take up less space.
Some beds come with a storage space underneath. This is a great space to store blankets and nappy. It's a great spot to store baby accessories and other items. Some are convertible, which means they can be converted from a side-sleeper to a full-sized bed or toddler bed when your child reaches a certain age.
Home tester and MFM mom Jasmine describes the MoMi SMART BED as "a excellent option for your baby," saying it's not too bulky or large and won't take up too much space in your bedroom. She also liked the fact that you can adjust the height of the bed according to 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 into your reach for nighttime feeding or for soothing. They are also great for mums recovering from a c section since they don't need you to stand up to reach your child. Find cot beds that are compatible with the bed frame of your choice and securely attach to the parent's mattress. baby bedside cot come with an adjustable 4th wall that can be removed when not in use to keep your child secure.
Budget
If you're considering buying a bedside crib, it's essential to think about the budget you have available. They are typically more expensive than a cot or moses basket however, you can find them to suit the majority of budgets through online shopping. You'll also require a baby-safe crib mattress and a soft and comfortable bedding set. These can be purchased online with optional add-ons such as a blanket or a teether.
If you're looking to find an alternative to a bedside cot you may want to consider a sliding crib or a 4-in-1 bedside sleeper. They're similar to a bedside cot bed but they can be put in place next to your bed without gaps between them. They can also be transformed into a regular mattress when your child is old enough to use them. They are also ideal if you don't have a lot of space in your home, and they have features like a drop down side or tilt to provide easy access to your baby. The only drawback to these is that they only last up to six months. You'll need to transfer your child into the moses-shell or cot following this period.