Bedside Cot Bed
A bedside crib (also known as a side sleeper or bassinet) attaches to the parent's bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. You can easily reach your child for night feedings and comforting without disrupting your sleep.
It is crucial that the crib is securely attached and regularly inspected for any gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation. Some cribs can also be converted, with conversion kits to convert them into standalone cribs as your child grows.
Safety
A bedside crib bed is similar to a baby bassinet however, it is attached to the mattress you already have rather than sitting on the floor. Parents who want to have their baby within reach of them for feeding, comforting and for nighttime diaper changes, love these cot beds. They're also an essential element of a safe cosleeping or rooming in.
You'll need to choose a cot mattress that fits snugly into the cot bed, regardless of whether you choose to use an adjustable bed or a sliding one. It shouldn't sag or bulge. It should not sag. It must also be in compliance with safety standards including those of the Lullaby Trust. Verify that the mattress is free of cracks and tears and is free of loose threads.
The close proximity of a bedside crib allows mothers to respond to their newborns needs throughout the night, such as feeding them with bottles or breastfeeding, and aiding them in maintaining their milk supply. They can also feed their infants without having to wake up or get out of bed and promote healthy sleep habits in both babies and parents.
Most bedside cots have mesh that is attached to the sides to stop children from becoming trapped or strangled. It's important to regularly inspect the mesh for any tears or loose threads that could get caught or catch a baby's clothing and also to ensure there aren't any other hazards such as protruding handles or bars that could encourage your newborn to climb out of the cot. Likewise, look for large bedside cot made of plastic that could be hot to the touch and avoid sharp edges or splinters.
Convenience
You can keep your baby close to you so that you can respond to his or her needs at any time throughout the night without leaving your bed. The closeness of the cot can make it easier for you to feed them or change them, and also comfort them when they wake up especially in the initial stages of parenthood, encouraging better sleep for you both. It is beneficial in establishing a breastfeeding bond.
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 risk of sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It lets babies sleep close to parents, which can help mothers establish a breastfeeding connection and sleep better during the first few months after the birth.
The majority of cribs have a drop-down or removable side that lets you take the baby out of the crib without leaving your bed, which makes it easy to tend to the needs of your baby during the night. Some models have a manual rocking feature, which is particularly useful for babies suffering from reflux. These cribs are typically smaller than a moses basket or standard cot, so they are smaller and take up less space.
Some beds have an area for storage underneath. This is a great spot to store nappy and blankets. It's also a useful place to store toys and other baby accessories. Some convertible beds means they can be converted from a side-sleeper to a full-sized bed or toddler bed once your child gets older.
Jasmine, a MFM mum and home tester Jasmine, a home tester and MFM mum, describes the MoMi Smart Bed as "a great option for your little one", saying that it's not too big or heavy. This means it won't take up a lot of space in your bedroom. She also liked the fact that it comes with two different sleeping heights so you can adjust it based on your baby's age.
Styles
Bedside cots are bassinet-style cots that fix to your bed and allow you to lower one side of the crib to your reach for night-time feeding or soothing. They're also a godsend for mothers who've had a c-section as you don't need to get out of bed to reach your baby and can help speed up recovery time. If you're considering this type of cot bed, look for ones that are securely attached to the bed of the parent and are compatible with your particular bed frame. Some models also come with a detachable fourth wall that can be taken down when not in use, to ensure your baby is safe and out of harm's way.
Budget
If you're looking to buy a bedside crib, it's important to think about the budget you have available. They're more expensive than a moses's basket or cot, however they can be purchased at a price that fits most budgets. You'll also need a safe mattress for the crib, as well as a soft and airy bedding set. You can buy these on the internet, with add-ons like blankets, a baby teether or a cuddly toy, for the complete set.
Consider a 4-in-1 or sliding crib as an alternative to a bedside cot. They're similar to a cot, however, you can slide them into the space beside your bed without gaps in between and can be transformed into a regular bed as your baby grows out of them. They are also ideal for those who have a small space. They have features such as tilt or drop-down side to allow you to easily access your baby. The only drawback is that they tend to last only up to 6 months, which means you'll need to move your baby into a crib or moses shell at this point.