bedside cot bed (click here to visit Abcvote for free)

A bedside crib (also known as a side sleeper or bassinet) attaches to the parent's bed to allow safe co-sleeping. You can easily reach your child during the night for feedings and comforting, without disturbing your sleep.

It's important that the crib is secured and regularly checked for any gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation. Some cribs can be transformed into cots for your baby by using conversion kits.

Safety

bedside crib to cot cot beds are similar to bassinets for babies however, they attach to your mattress instead of being placed on the ground. They're popular with parents who want their newborn to be easily accessible for feeding, comforting and at nighttime diaper changes. They're also a crucial part of safe cosleeping (also called rooming-in) and help reduce the risk of SIDS.

If you opt for a sliding bed or a four-in-one bedside sleeper, you'll need a compatible cot mattress that fits the bed snugly. It should not sag or bulge, or slide. It must also meet safety standards including those of the Lullaby Trust. If you're purchasing a second-hand crib mattress, ensure that it's clean and free of cracks or tears and doesn't have loose threads that your child could entangle themselves in.

A crib that is placed near the bed allows mothers to respond quickly to their infants' needs, whether it is breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This allows them to maintain their milk supply. It also allows them to feed their babies without having to get up or get out of their bed. This encourages healthy sleeping habits for parents and their babies.

Most bedside crib travel cot cot beds are equipped with mesh that is securely fixed to the sides of the cot, reducing the possibility of a child getting stuck or strangled in the gaps. Regularly inspect the mesh to find tears or loose threads that could entangle or catch the baby's clothing. Also, make sure that there aren't any other dangers 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 could be hot to the touch and avoid sharp edges or splinters.

Convenience

Keep your baby close to you so that you can respond to their needs at any time throughout the night without leaving your bed. This closeness makes it simpler to feed, change and comfort your baby once they wake up. It is beneficial in establishing a breastfeeding bond.

This kind of infant sleep solution is also called a sidecar or bedside basset. It's a safe method of co-sleeping that reduces the risk of sudden death syndrome (SIDS). It allows babies to sleep close to parents, which helps mums establish a breastfeeding connection and also get more rest during the first few months after the birth.

Many models come with an adjustable or drop-down side that allows you to take the baby out of the crib without having to get out of your bed, making it easy to take care of the needs of your baby at night. Some models include an option for manual rocking, which is particularly useful for babies with reflux. These cribs are typically smaller than a moses basket or standard cot, so they take up less space.

Some beds have storage space underneath, which is great to store nappies and blankets. It's also a great place to store toys and other baby items. Some convertible beds means they can be converted from a side-sleeper, to a full-sized bed or toddler bed once your child grows older.

Home tester and MFM mother Jasmine describes the MoMi SMART BED as "a fantastic option to have for your baby," saying it's not too large or bulky, which means it won't take up too much space in your bedroom. She also appreciated that you can adjust the height of it in accordance with your child's age.

Styles

Bedside cots, also known as bassinets that are stylish, can be attached to your bed. They let you lower the crib's side to make it within your reach at night for feeding or soothing. These cots are also ideal for mums recovering from a c section, as they don't require you to get up to reach your child. If you're thinking about this kind of cot bed, search for models that can be securely attached to the parent's bed and are compatible with your specific bed frame. Some models have an adjustable 4th wall that can be removed when not in use to ensure your child safe.

Budget

If you're planning to purchase a cheap bedside cot crib, it's important to consider the budget you have. They are typically more expensive than a cot, or a moses basket however, you can find one that fits the majority of budgets through online shopping. You'll require a crib mattress that is safe for infants as well as a soft and breathable set of bedding. These are available online, with optional accessories like a blanket or teether.

Consider a 4-in-1 or sliding crib as an alternative to a bedside cot. They're similar to a cot but you can slide them to the side of your bed with no gaps between and can be converted into a regular bed when your child is old enough to use them. They are also ideal if you don't have enough space in your home, and they come with features like a drop-down side or tilt to provide easy access to your baby. The only downside to these is that they're only good for up to six months. You'll need to transfer your child to an cot or moses-shell after this period.