Bedside Cot Bed
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a side sleeper, is attached to a parent's bed and allows for safe cosleeping. It allows you to easily reach your baby during night feeds and comforting, without disturbing your own sleep.
It is essential that the crib is secure and regularly checked for any gaps that could cause an suffocation threat. Some cribs are also convertible and have conversion kits to convert them into standalone cribs as your baby grows.
Safety
A bedside crib is similar to a bassinet for babies however, it is attached to your existing mattress rather than sitting on the floor. They're popular with parents who want their baby to be within reach for feeding, comforting and night-time diaper changes. They're also an essential component of safe cosleeping, or rooming in.
If you decide to go with a sliding bed or a 4-in-1 bedside sleeper, it's important to have a compatible cot mattress that fits in the cot bed comfortably. It should not sag, bulge or be sagging. It should also meet safety standards including those of the Lullaby Trust. Check that the mattress is clean, free of tears and cracks and doesn't have loose threads.
The close proximity of a crib at bedtime allows mothers to quickly respond to their newborns' needs during the night, such as breastfeeding or bottle feeding and helping them maintain their milk supply. They can also feed their infants without having to fully wake up or leave their bed and promote healthy sleep habits for parents and babies.
Most bedside cots have mesh attached to the sides to stop babies from getting trapped or strangled. It is important to check the mesh for any tears or loose threads that could strangle or catch a baby's clothing and ensure there aren't any other hazards like protruding handles or bars that could encourage your baby to climb out of the cot. Likewise, look for any parts made of plastic that are hot to the touch. Also, beware of sharp edges or splinters.
Convenience
You can 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. This proximity makes it easier to feed or change your baby once they awake. It can be beneficial in creating a breastfeeding connection.
This type of infant sleep solution is also called a sidecar or bedside basset. 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 relationship and also get more rest in the first few months after birth.
Many models come with a drop-down or removable side that lets you lift the baby out of the crib without leaving your bed, which makes it easy to tend to their needs at night. Some models come with the option of manual rocking, which is particularly useful for babies suffering from reflux. These cribs are typically smaller than moses baskets or a standard cot, which means they take up less space.
Some beds come with a storage space underneath, which is great to store nappies and blankets. This is a great place to store toys, baby accessories, and other things. There are bedside crib travel cot that are convertible, which means they can change from a side-sleeper into a full-sized crib, or toddler bed as your child gets older.
Jasmine is an MFM mom and home tester Jasmine, a home tester and MFM mum, describes the MoMi Smart Bed as "a great option for your child", saying that it is not too large or bulky. This means it will not take up a lot of space in your bedroom. She also appreciated the fact that it comes with two different sleeping heights, so you can alter it according to your baby's age.
Styles
Bedside cots, which are bassinets with style, are attached to your bed. They let you lower the crib's side to make it close enough to you at night to feed or relaxing. They're also a godsend for mums who've had a c-section, as they don't require you to get up to reach your baby, and they can help speed the recovery process. If you're thinking of this kind of cot bed, search for ones that are securely attached to the parent's bed and are compatible with your particular bed frame. Some models come with an optional 4th wall that can be lowered when not in use to ensure your child secure.
Budget
When you are looking for a bedside baby crib, you must consider your budget. They're more expensive than a moses's basket or cot, however they can be found at a price that fits most budgets. You'll also require a baby-safe mattress for the crib, 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 to find an alternative to a bedside cot it is possible to consider a sliding crib or a 4-in-1 bedside sleeper. These are similar to a bedside cot bed but they can slide into the bed with no gaps between them. They can also be transformed into a regular mattress once your child grows out of them. They are also ideal for those who have a small space. They have features such as a tilt or drop-down sides to make it easier to access your baby. The only downside is that they usually last for only 6 months, meaning that you'll need to move your baby into a crib or a moses shell after this time.