Bedside Cot Bed
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet, or side sleeper, attaches to the bed of a parent and allows secure cosleeping. It lets you easily reach your baby for evening feedings and comforting without disturbing your own sleep.
It is important to make sure that the crib is attached securely and that it's regularly checked for any gaps that could be dangers to suffocation. Some cribs can be transformed into cots for your growing baby with conversion kits.
Safety
Bedside beds are similar to baby bassinets, but they attach to your mattress instead of resting on the ground. Parents who want their baby near them for feeding, comforting, and even for changing diapers at night appreciate these cot beds. They're also a crucial part of safe cosleeping (also called rooming-in) and reduce the risk of SIDS.
You'll need to select the cot mattress that fits snugly into the cot bed, regardless of whether you choose to use an adjustable bed or a sliding one. Make sure it doesn't slide or bulge, and that it complies with safety standards, including the Lullaby Trust's guidelines. Make sure the mattress is free of cracks and tears and doesn't have loose threads.
The close proximity of a crib to the bed allows mothers to easily respond to their infants' needs during the night, including feeding them with bottles or breastfeeding, and helping them maintain their milk supply. They can also feed their babies without having to fully wake up or leave their bed to get up. This promotes healthy sleeping habits for both babies and parents.
The majority of bedside cots are equipped with mesh that is securely fixed to the sides of the cot to reduce the possibility of a child being trapped or entangled in the gaps. It's important to regularly inspect the mesh for any tears or loose threads that could entangle or catch baby's clothing, and to make sure there are no other risks such as protruding handles or bars that could encourage your baby to climb out of the cot. Likewise, look for any plastic parts that may be hot to the touch, and beware of sharp edges or splinters.
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. The closeness of the cot will 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 you both. It can also be helpful in establishing a breastfeeding bond.
This kind of infant sleep solution is also called a sidecar or bedside basset. It's a safe method of co-sleeping which reduces the risk of sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It allows babies to sleep close to parents, which can help mothers establish a breastfeeding connection and sleep better during the first few months after the birth.
Many models come with a slide-down or removable side that allows you to take the baby out of the crib without having to get out of your bed, making it easier to attend to the needs of your baby at night. Some models even have an option for manual rocking, which can be particularly helpful for resettling babies who are suffering from reflux. They are usually smaller than moses baskets or a standard cot, so they are smaller and take up less space.
Some beds come with a storage space beneath, which is ideal to store nappies and blankets. It's a great spot to store baby accessories, and other things. Some are convertible, which means that they can be changed from a side-sleeper into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed when your child reaches a certain age.
Jasmine, a MFM mom and home tester, describes the MoMi Smart Bed as "a great option for your baby", saying that it's not overly large or bulky. This means it will not take up much space in your bedroom. wooden bedside cot liked the fact that it has two sleeping heights so that you can adjust it depending on your baby's age.
Styles
Bedside cots are cots that resemble bassinets that fix to your bed and allow you to lower one side of the crib into your reach for nighttime feeding or soothing. They're also a godsend for mums who've had a csection, since you don't need to get up to reach your baby, and they can help speed up recovery. If you're considering this type 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 come with an optional 4th wall that can be lowered when not in use to keep your child secure.
Budget
If you're looking to buy a bedside crib, it's important to think about the budget you have available. These are generally more expensive than a cot, or a moses basket, but you can find one that fits the majority of budgets through online shopping. You'll also need a baby-safe crib mattress and a comfortable and airy bedding set. These are available online, with optional accessories like a baby blanket or a teether.
If you're looking for an alternative to a bedside cot, you might want to think about 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. 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 come with features such as tilt or drop-down side to facilitate access to your baby. The only drawback is that they usually last for only 6 months, so you'll have to put your baby into a crib or a moses shell after this point.