Bedside Cot Bed
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a side sleeper, attaches to a parent's bed and allows secure cosleeping. You can easily reach your child for night feedings and comforting without disrupting your sleep.
It is essential that the crib is secure and regularly inspected for gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation. Some cribs can also be converted, with conversion kits to transform them into standalone baby cots as your baby grows.
Safety
Bedside cot beds are similar to baby bassinets however, they attach to your existing mattress instead of being placed on the ground. They're very popular with parents who want their child to be within reach for feeding, comforting and at nighttime diaper changes. They're also a key component of safe cosleeping (also called rooming-in) and help reduce the risk of SIDS.
If you opt for a sliding bed or 4-in-1 bedside sleeper, you'll need an appropriate cot mattress that fits in the cot bed snugly. It should not sag, bulge or be sagging. It must also be in compliance with safety standards including those of the Lullaby Trust. Check that the mattress is free of tears and cracks and does not have loose threads.
A crib placed close to the bed allows mothers to respond quickly to their newborn's needs, whether that is breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. large bedside crib helps them maintain their milk supply. They can also feed babies without having to get up or get out of their bed. This encourages healthy sleep habits for both parents and babies.
The majority of bedside cots are fitted with a mesh that's securely fixed to the sides of the cot to minimize the chance of a baby getting stuck or strangled in the gaps. Regularly inspect the mesh to find tears or loose threads that could entangle or catch the baby's clothes. Also, make sure there aren't any other hazards, such as handles or bars that protrude that could encourage your infant to climb out of the bed. Likewise, look for any plastic parts that may be hot to the touch and avoid any sharp edges or splinters.
Convenience
Keep your baby close so that you can respond to their needs at any time throughout the night without leaving your bed. This proximity can make it easier to feed them, change them and comfort them when they awake especially in the early stages of parenthood, promoting better sleep for both of you. It can also assist in establishing a breastfeeding bond.
This type of infant sleep solution is also known as a sidecar or bedside bassinet. It's a safe method of co-sleeping, which lowers the chance of suffering from sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It allows babies to rest close to their parents, which helps mums establish a breastfeeding bond and also get more rest in the first few months following the birth.
Many models come with an adjustable or drop-down side that lets you lift the baby from the crib without having to leave your bed, which makes it easy to attend to the needs of your baby at night. Some models also have an option for manual rocking which is particularly beneficial for resettling babies who have reflux. These cribs are often smaller than a moses basket or a standard cot, which means they are smaller and take up less space.
Some beds have an under-bed storage space. This is a great space to store blankets and nappy. It's also a great storage space for toys and other baby accessories. There are some that are convertible, which means they can be converted from a side-sleeper into a full-sized crib, or toddler bed as your child grows older.
Home tester and MFM mum Jasmine describes the MoMi Smart BED as "a excellent option for your baby," saying it's not too big or bulky and won't take up too much space in the bedroom. She also liked the fact that it can be adjusted to the height of the bed in accordance with your child's age.
Styles
Bedside cots, also known as bassinets with style, are attached to your bed. They let you lower the side of your crib so that it's easily accessible during the night for feeding or relaxing. These cots are also great for mothers who are recovering from a c section, as they don't require you to stand up to reach your child. If you're considering this type of cot, look for models that securely fasten to the parent's bed and are compatible with your specific bed frame. Some models also have an adjustable 4th wall that can be lowered down when not in use, to ensure your baby is safe and out of harm's way.
Budget
If you're considering buying a bedside crib, it's important to consider the budget you have available. They're generally more expensive than a cot or a moses basket, but you can find them to suit most budgets with some good online shopping. You'll need a crib mattress that is safe for infants as well as a comfortable and breathable set of bedding. You can purchase these online and can also add on accessories like blankets, a baby teether or a cuddly toys for the complete set.
Think about a sliding or 4-in-1 crib as an alternative to the bedside cot. These are similar to a cot, but they can be slid into place beside your own bed with no gaps between and they can also be converted into a regular bed when your baby outgrows them. foldable bedside crib are also great for those with limited space. They come with features such as tilt or drop down side to make it easier to access your baby. The only downside is that they only last up to six months. You'll need to transfer your baby into an cot or moses-shell after this time.