Bedside Cot Bed

A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or side sleeper) attaches to the parent's bed to allow secure co-sleeping. It lets you easily reach your baby for evening feedings and comforting without disturbing your own sleep.

It's important that the crib is secure and regularly checked for any gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation. Some cribs can be converted and have conversion kits to convert them into standalone cribs as your child grows.

Safety

A bedside crib bed is similar to a bassinet for babies however it is attached to the mattress you already have instead of sitting on the floor. They're popular with parents who want their child to be within reach for feeding, comforting and night-time diaper changes. They're also an essential part of safe cosleeping (also called rooming-in) and can reduce the risk of SIDS.

You'll need to select the cot mattress that is a perfect fit for the cot bed, regardless of whether you choose to use the sliding bed. Make sure it doesn't slide or bulge and that it is in compliance with safety standards as well as the Lullaby Trust's guidelines. If you're buying a second-hand crib mattress, ensure that it's free of tears or cracks, and isn't brimming with threads that your baby bedside crib could get caught in.

The close proximity of a bedside crib allows mothers to quickly respond to their newborns' needs during the night, such as feeding their babies with bottles and breastfeeding, as well as helping them to maintain their milk supply. Also, they can feed their babies without getting up or leave the bed. This encourages healthy sleep habits for parents and babies.

Most bedside cots for newborns cot beds are equipped with mesh that is securely fixed to the sides of the cot to reduce the chance of a baby bedside cot getting caught or trapped in the gaps. Make sure to regularly inspect the mesh to check for tears or loose threads that could entangle or catch the baby's clothes. Also, ensure that there aren't any other dangers such as protruding bars or handles which could cause your infant to climb out of the bed. Likewise, look for any plastic parts that may be hot to the touch and beware of sharp edges or splinters.

Convenience

A bedside cot lets you keep your baby close so you can respond to their needs throughout the night without the need to get from your bed. The closeness of the cot can make it easier for you to feed them or change them and soothe 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 connection.

This type of infant sleep solution is also called a sidecar or bedside basset. It's a secure form of co-sleeping that reduces the chance of suffering from sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It lets newborns sleep close to their parents which is a wonderful method for mothers to build an intimate breastfeeding relationship and assist them to get more sleep during the first few months following birth.

Most models come with an adjustable or drop-down side that allows you to take the baby out of the crib without leaving your bed. This allows you to be more attentive to their needs at night. Some even come with an option for manual rocking which is particularly useful for babies that suffer from reflux. A lot of these cribs are smaller than moses' cots or a standard basket, making them lighter and take up less space.

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

Jasmine Jasmine, an MFM mother and home tester Jasmine, a home tester and MFM mum, describes the MoMi Smart Bed as "a excellent choice for your little one" and says that it is not too large or heavy. This means it won't take up much space in your bedroom. She also liked the fact that you can alter the height of the bed depending on the baby's age.

Styles

Bedside cots are cots that resemble bassinets that attach to your bed and let you lower one side of the crib to your reach for nighttime feeding or soothing. They're also a godsend for mums who've had a csection, since you don't have to get out of bed to reach your baby, and they can speed up recovery time. Look for cot beds that work with the bed frame of your choice and securely attach to the mattress of the parent. Some models come with an adjustable 4th wall that can be removed when not in use to keep your child safe.

Budget

If you're looking to buy a bedside cosleeper crib, it's essential to consider the amount of money you can afford. They are more expensive than a moses' basket or cot, but they are available at a cost that is suitable for most budgets. You'll also need a safe mattress for the crib, as well as a soft and breathable bedding set. These can be purchased online, with optional accessories like a blanket or teether.

If you're looking for a different option to a travel bedside crib cot bed (find out here) you may want to think about a sliding crib or a four-in-one bedside sleeper. These are similar to a bedside cot, but they can slide into place next to your bed without gaps. They can also be converted into a regular mattress once your child gets out of them. They're also great for when you don't have much space in your home, and come with features like a drop-down side or tilt for easy access to your baby. The only issue is that they tend to last for just 6 months, so you'll need to move your baby to a cot or a moses shell after this point.