What Is a Bedside Cot?
Bedside cots come in a bassinet style and are attached to the side of the bed. They have a drop down or removable side to make it easier for you to take your baby for feeding or soothing at the night.
They're a great alternative to bed-sharing, which isn't recommended by experts and can increase the risk of SIDS. They are regulated by strict safety standards.
Convertible cribs
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby near you during the night, without the need to move the crib to a mattress. It also allows you to watch them throughout the day and encourages interaction between parents and children throughout the night, assisting you connect with your child. There are different types of convertible cribs available, each with their distinct advantages. You can pick between a sliding crib, a 4-in-1 sleeper beside the bed or a stand alone crib. Some have a tilt feature that can help with colic or reflux, however it should be used with care and at a slight angle.
A majority of the cribs for bed on our list feature a side panel that can be lowered and gives you a great view of your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at the time of night. This allows for the comfort of cosleeping, without the dangers. This can be especially helpful if you struggle to find the ideal position for your baby to rest in at night.
It is important to remember that the best way to decrease your baby's chance of SIDS is to place them on their back. So if your baby's feet are at the end of the crib you should not lower this panel, as this could increase the risk of falling off and could cause serious injury.
All bedside cribs should have a space of no more than 20cm between the mattress and cot/crib to stop your baby from falling off or getting trapped. Some have a safety barrier that can be attached to your bed. Some cribs have shelves for storing toys and nappies, as well as wipes. They may also have music, rockers, and night lights.
Second-hand mattresses can increase the risk for SIDS. Choose a firm, breathable foam mattress with a waterproof cover that is washable. You can also buy mattress protectors for your cot to further protect your investment and to make cleaning your bedside crib a lot easier.
Portable cribs
A portable crib is an excellent option to keep your baby close at night without risking their safety. It allows parents comfort their infants in the bed without getting up. They can also use it when traveling or at friends' homes. It can also be used to playpen your child. It's easy to clean, and it can be folded flat for storage and travel. It's a great option for families with multiple children or those who frequently leave the home.
It is essential to select a crib that meets the highest standards of safety. Make sure that the crib does not have gaps or loose bedding, which can trap a baby and cause the possibility of suffocation. It's also important to ensure that the crib is securely connected to the bed of the parents. Examine the crib for recalls before purchasing it.
One of the top options for a portable crib is the Skip Hop portable baby bed with a unique expandable base that grows with your child. The crib is designed to be set next to the bed of the parents or used as a stand-alone crib. It is made of durable safe materials that can be adjusted to suit various sizes. It's also machine-washable and stain-treatable. Additionally, it comes with a carrying pouch to travel with.
Pamo Babe Lightweight Portable Travel Cot is another great travel crib. This lightweight and compact crib comes with six height settings that can be adjusted to fit the cot's barrier and the mattress of the parents. It also comes with a newborn insert which allows it to be suitable for use from birth.
Before you choose a crib for your travels ensure you figure out how big the room will be at the destination. Ask the hotel staff how big their rooms are to determine if they will be enough for your family. Alternatively, you can ask friends and relatives for suggestions on the size of their homes. It's also a good idea to think about the climate in your destination as it can impact how your baby sleeps.
Side-car cribs

A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or a baby cot) is a kind of crib that is attached to the bed of the parents and allows them to keep their infant close while still giving the infant a separate sleeping surface. This is a method of co-sleeping that has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. It is a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a caesarean birth.
Some cribs with bedsides come with additional features, such as rocking or tilting that can be useful for fussy infants. Some have an attachment that can be detachable, like a moses basket which can be used for older babies. These cribs have been designed to meet different safety standards. However it's important to keep in mind that not all cribs are made equal. Certain cribs are more rigid than others. It is important to choose one that is suitable for your needs.
bedside cot bed should also think about how easy it will be to clean the crib. Some cribs are made from a water-resistant fabric that is easy to clean, whereas others are made of wood or metal and are harder to keep clean. The dimensions of the crib as well as the capacity to accommodate a mattress and bed frame are also important aspects. Some cribs are able to be positioned over a bed rail. This means you will have to remove the mattress in order to access it.
Once you've chosen the right crib, you're now ready to assemble it. First, attach the horizontal 2 X 4 pieces to the side of the box, making sure that they're in line with each one. Then, screw the front 2 X 4 pieces to the sides of the box and drill any screws that are inserted into the 1 X 12 boards. This will prevent the board from splitting.
Mothers who were allocated a crib with a side-car have expressed overwhelming excitement and a preference for them as compared to those allocated standard cots on the postnatal unit (Tully & Ball 2012). The cribs let mothers have physical and visual contact with their infants which aided in emotional closeness and breastfeeding, helped with the settling process and decreased calls to the staff.
Co-sleeping cribs
Many parents prefer the idea of having their baby sleeping with them so that they can monitor and tend to them without having to get out of bed. These are also great for mums who are breastfeeding and can help to build a lasting bond. But with this closeness comes many dangers, such as overlaying (when an adult's pillow or covers are placed on the baby's face) as well as suffocation and the crib's accidental roll onto the parent. The risk of these are minimized with a co-sleeping crib, which is essentially a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the bed's side.
These cribs aren't just designed to keep your child from rolling out of their bed however, they can also be raised up to the level you sleep at, resulting in a slight incline which may help with reflux. Some even come with a rocking function that some mothers find helps in settling their child.
A bedside crib is a great option for those who wish to keep their child close, but don't have enough space for an extra Moses basket or regular cot. MFM mum home tester Mehack says she "loved" her crib, saying it was simple to put together and fits in nicely with her bedroom decor. She says it's especially useful in the event that she needs to get up to feed her baby or soothe her at night.
There are new crib requirements for infants that are designed to lower the risk of SIDS. The drop-down barrier cannot drop completely. Instead, many cribs come with 'half-height' walls that provide a more safe barrier.
Another key factor is making sure that you have a top-quality, breathable mattress for the crib, that is easy to clean after messy diaper changes. Make sure it's machine washable as well to ensure that any spills can be dealt with quickly and easily. You'll also require a variety of other safe bedding for babies, including a fitted sheet and a breathable sleeping bag. Be on the lookout for Black Friday deals 2024 on cribs for next-to-me to furnish your nursery.