Bedside Cot Bed

A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet, or side sleeper, attaches to a parent's bed and allows safe cosleeping. It allows you to easily reach your baby for feeding and comforting at night, without disrupting your sleep.

It is crucial that the crib is securely attached and regularly inspected for gaps that could pose a suffocation risk. Some cribs can be converted with conversion kits that transform them into standalone baby cots as your baby grows.

Safety

A bedside cot bed is similar to a baby bassinet, but it attaches to your mattress rather than sitting on the floor. Parents who want their baby close to them for feeding, comforting, and even for changing diapers at night are in love with these cot beds. They're also a crucial part of safe cosleeping or rooming in.

If you decide to go with a sliding bed or a four-in-one bedside sleeper, it's important to have a compatible cot mattress that fits into the cot bed snugly. Be sure that it doesn't slump or have any bulges and that it is in compliance with safety standards, including the Lullaby Trust's guidelines. If you're buying a second-hand crib mattress, ensure that it's free of tears or cracks and doesn't have loose threads that your child could entangle themselves in.

The close proximity of a bedside crib allows mothers to quickly respond to their infants needs throughout the night, such as feeding their babies with bottles and breastfeeding, as well as helping them maintain their milk supply. They can also feed their babies without having to fully wake up or get up, promoting healthy sleep habits for infants and parents.

The majority of bedside cots have mesh that's securely fixed to the sides of the cot to minimize the risk of a baby getting caught or trapped in the gaps. Make sure to regularly inspect the mesh to look for tears or loose threads that could entangle or catch the baby's clothes. Also, ensure there aren't any other hazards, such as protruding bars or handles which could cause your child to climb out of the bed. Also, be aware of any parts made of plastic that are hot to the touch, and avoid sharp edges or splinters.

Convenience

It is possible to keep your baby close to you so that you can respond to their needs at any time throughout the night without having to leave 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 awake especially in the initial stages of parenthood, promoting better sleep for you both. It can also be helpful in establishing a breastfeeding bond.

This kind of infant sleep solution is also referred to as a sidecar or bedside bassinet. It's a safe form of co-sleeping that reduces the risk of sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It allows babies to sleep with their parents, which helps mothers establish a breastfeeding connection and get more sleep in the first few months following the birth.

Most models come with a removable or drop-down side that lets you take the baby out of the crib without having to leave your bed. This allows you to be more attentive to their needs throughout the night. Some models also have an option for manual rocking that can be beneficial for resettling babies who have reflux. These cribs are often smaller than a moses basket or a standard cot, so they are smaller and take up less space.

Some beds have a storage space underneath. This is a great place to store blankets and nappy. It's also a good place to store toys and other baby items. There are some that can be converted, meaning they can change from a side-sleeper, to an adult-sized crib or toddler bed as your child gets older.

Home tester and MFM mom Jasmine describes the MoMi Smart BED as "a fantastic option to have for your baby," saying it's not too large or bulky and will not take up too much space in the bedroom. She also appreciated that you can alter the height of it according to your baby's age.


Styles

Bedside cots are cots that resemble bassinets which attach to your bed and allow you to lower one side of the crib into your reach for night-time feeding or for soothing. They're also a blessing for mothers who have had a c-section, as you don't need to get up to reach your baby, and they can help speed up recovery time. Find 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 optional 4th wall that can be lowered when not in use to ensure your child secure.

Budget

If you're looking to buy a bedside crib, it's essential to think about the amount of money you can afford. These are generally more expensive than a cot or a moses basket however, you can find one that fits all budgets by doing some online shopping. You'll need an infant crib mattress that is safe for infants and an airy and soft set of bedding. You can purchase these online, with add-ons like blankets, a teether or cuddly toy to complete the set.

Think about a sliding or 4-in-1 crib as an alternative to the bedside cot. These are similar to a bedside cot but they can slide into place next to your bed without gaps between them. They can also be transformed into a regular mattress once your child grows out of them. They're also great for when you don't have enough space in your home, and come with features such as a drop-down side or tilt for easy access to your baby. The only downside is that they're only able to last up to six months. You'll need to put your child into a moses-shell or cot after this period.