Bedside Cot Bed
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or side sleeper) connects to the parent's bed for secure co-sleeping. It lets you easily reach your baby for evening feedings and comforting without disrupting your sleep.
It is essential to ensure that the crib is attached securely and regularly checked for any gaps that could pose as an suffocation risk. Some cribs can be converted, with conversion kits to transform them into standalone baby cribs as your child grows.
Safety
A bedside crib bed is similar to a baby bassinet however, it is attached to your existing mattress rather than sitting on the floor. They're popular with parents who want their newborn to be easily accessible for feeding, comforting and at nighttime diaper changes. They're also an essential part of safe cosleeping (also known as rooming-in) and help reduce the risk of SIDS.
You'll need to choose a mattress for your cot that fits snugly into the cot bed, regardless of whether you choose a sliding bed. Be sure that it doesn't slump or bulge and that it complies with safety standards, including the Lullaby Trust's guidelines. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot mattress, check that it's clean and free of tears or cracks and doesn't have loose threads that your child could get caught in.
The close proximity of a crib to the bed allows mothers to easily respond to their newborns needs throughout the night, such as feeding them with bottles or breastfeeding, and helping them to maintain their milk supply. They can also feed their infants without having to fully wake up or get up and promote healthy sleep habits for infants and parents.
Most bedside cot beds have 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 look for tears or loose threads which could entangle or trap the baby's clothing. Also, ensure that there aren't any other dangers, like protruding bars or handles which could cause your child to climb out of the bed. Likewise, look for any parts made of plastic that could be hot to the touch, and beware of sharp edges or splinters.
Convenience
A bedside cot allows you to keep your baby close so you can be able to respond to their needs throughout the night without the need to get away from your bed. This proximity makes it easier to feed and change, as well as comfort your baby once they wake up. It can be beneficial in establishing a breastfeeding bond.
This kind of infant sleep solution is also called a sidecar or bedside crib that turns into cot bassinet. It's a safe method of co-sleeping that reduces the chance of suffering from sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It allows babies to sleep with their parents, which is an ideal way for mums to establish a breastfeeding bond and help them sleep better in those first months after birth.
Most models come with the option of a drop-down or removable side that lets you remove the baby from the crib without leaving your bed. This makes it easier to attend to their needs at night. Some models even have a manual rocking function that can be useful for babies that have reflux. A majority of these cribs are smaller than a standard cot or moses basket, making them less bulky and takes up less space.
Some beds have an area for storage underneath. This is a great spot to store blankets and nappy. This is a great space to store baby accessories, and other things. Some are convertible, which means that they can be changed from a side-sleeper, to the size of a full-sized or toddler bed as your child reaches a certain age.
Jasmine Jasmine, an MFM mother and home tester The MoMi Smart Bed as "a great option for your child", saying that it is not too large or heavy. This means that it won't take up a lot of space in your bedroom. She also appreciated that you can alter the height of it in accordance with your child's age.
Styles
Bedside cots are cots that resemble bassinets that fix to your bed and allow you to lower one side of the crib to your reach for feeding at night or for soothing. They're also a blessing for mothers who've had a c-section as you don't need to get up to reach your baby, and they can help speed up recovery. If you're thinking about this kind of cot bed, look for models that securely fasten to the bed of the parent and are compatible with your specific bed frame. Some models come with an optional 4th wall that can be removed when not in use to keep your child secure.
Budget
If you're planning to purchase a bedside crib, it's important to consider the budget you have available. They're more expensive than a moses' basket or cot, but they are available at a price that suits most budgets. You'll also require a baby-safe mattress for the crib, and a comfortable and breathable bedding set. You can buy these on the internet, with add-ons like blankets, a teether or a cuddly toys to complete the set.
If you're looking for an alternative to a bedside crib with changing table cot bed you may want to think about a sliding crib or a 4-in-1 bedside sleeper. They're similar to a bedside travel crib cot, but they can be put in place next to your bed without gaps. They can also be converted into a regular mattress when your child grows out of them. These are also great for those who have a small space. They are equipped with features like tilting or a drop-down sides to make it easier to access your baby. The only downside is that they typically last only up to 6 months, meaning that you'll need to transfer your baby into a cot or a moses ' shell after this time.