bedside crib and travel cot Cot Bed

A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a side sleeper, attaches to the bed of a parent and allows safe cosleeping. It allows you to easily reach your baby for night feeds and comforting, without disrupting your sleep.

It is essential that the crib is secured and regularly inspected for any gaps that could cause an suffocation threat. Some cribs are also convertible with conversion kits that turn them into standalone baby cribs as your baby grows.

Safety

Bedside 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 close enough for feeding, comforting and even for night-time diaper changes. They are also an important element of a safe cosleeping or rooming in.

If you opt for a sliding bed or a 4-in-1 bedside sleeper, you'll require a mattress that fits into the cot bed snugly. Make sure it doesn't slide or bulge and that it complies with safety standards, including the Lullaby Trust's guidelines. If you're buying a second-hand cot mattress, check that it's clean and free of tears or cracks and isn't brimming with threads that your baby could entangle themselves in.

The close proximity of a crib to the bed allows mothers to easily respond to their infants' needs during 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 fully wake up or leave their bed to get up. This promotes healthy sleeping habits for both parents and babies.

Most bedside cots have mesh that is attached to the sides to stop infants from being trapped or strangled. It's important to regularly inspect the mesh for any tears or loose threads that could get caught or catch baby's clothing and also to ensure there are no other risks such as protruding handles or bars, which could encourage your child to climb out of the cot. Beware of any plastic that is hot to the touch, and avoid any sharp edges.

Convenience

A bedside rocking crib - on the main page - cot allows you to keep your baby close so that you can attend to their needs throughout the night, without having to get away from your bed. The closeness of the cot can make it easier to feed them, change them and comfort the baby when they wake up, particularly in the early stages of parenthood, promoting better sleep for both of you. It can also assist in establishing a breastfeeding bond.

This kind of infant sleep solution is also referred to as a sidecar sleeper, or bedside bassinet, and it's a form of safe co-sleeping which reduces the risk of suffering from sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It allows babies to sleep close to their parents which is a wonderful method for mothers to build a breastfeeding bond and help them to get more sleep during the first few months following the birth.

The majority of cribs have a drop-down or removable side that allows you to lift the baby from the crib without having to get out of your bed, making it easier to take care of their needs during the night. Some models have the option of manual rocking that is especially useful for babies with reflux. These cribs are often smaller than moses baskets or a standard cot, which means they require less space.

Some beds come with a storage space underneath. This is a great spot to store blankets and nappy. It's also a good storage area for toys and other baby items. It's possible to find some that are convertible, which means they can change from a side-sleeper, to an adult-sized crib or toddler bed as your child gets older.

Jasmine, a MFM mom and home tester, describes the MoMi Smart Bed as "a great option for your child" and says that it's not overly large or bulky. This means that it won't take up a lot of space in your bedroom. She also liked the fact that you can alter the height of it in accordance with your child'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 are also great for mums recovering from a csection because they don't require you to stand up to reach your child. Find cot beds that work with the bed frame of your choice and securely attach to the parent's mattress. Some models come with an optional 4th wall that can be removed when not in use to ensure your child secure.

Budget

If you're planning to purchase a bedside crib to cot crib, it's important to consider the budget you have available. They're more expensive than a moses's basket or cot, but they are available at a price that fits all budgets. You'll also need a safe crib mattress, and a soft and breathable bedding set. You can buy these on the internet, with add-ons like blankets, a teether or cuddly toy as a complete set.

Think about a sliding or 4-in-1 crib as an alternative to the wooden bedside cot cot. These are like a cot but they can be slid into place beside your own bed without gaps in between and can be transformed into a regular mattress when your child is old enough to use them. They are also ideal for those with limited space. They are equipped with features like tilting or a drop-down side to facilitate access to 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.