What Is a Bedside Cot?
Bedside Cots are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the bed's side. They have a removable or drop-down side that makes it easy to feed and pick up your baby during the night.
They are a great alternative to bed-sharing, which is not recommended by experts and increases the risk of SIDS. They are regulated by strict safety standards.
Convertible cribs
Having a bedside crib is a convenient method to keep your baby close to you at the night without having to shift them to your bed. It also allows you to watch them throughout the day and encourages parent-child interaction throughout the night, helping you connect with your child. Convertible cribs are available in a variety of different styles, each having their own advantages. You can pick between a sliding crib, a four-in-one sleeper beside the bed or a stand alone crib. Some come with a tilt feature that can help with colic or reflux, however it must be used carefully and at an angle that is only slightly.
A lot of the cribs we have listed on this page have an additional side panel that can be lowered to allow you the best view of your child. Some also let you keep the panel in place at night, providing the benefits of co-sleeping but without the risks that come with it. This is particularly useful if you have difficulty finding the ideal position for your child to sleep.
However, it's worth remembering that the most important piece of safe sleep advice is to put your baby on their back to sleep as this helps reduce the risk of SIDS. If your baby's feet rest at the end of the bed, you shouldn't lower the panel. This can put the baby at risk of rolling over and causing serious injuries.
Many cribs with a bedside feature an extra safety barrier that you can connect to your bed. Some also include shelves to store nappies as well as toys, wipes and diapers as well as rockers, music and night lights.
Mattresses that are second-hand can increase the risk for SIDS. Look out for an airy, firm foam mattress with a waterproof cover that can be cleaned. You can also purchase a cot-mattress protector to ensure the security of your investment. It can also make cleaning the crib easier.
Portable cribs
A portable crib lets you to keep your child close to you without risking their safety. It allows parents to soothe their infants in the bed without getting up. They can also use it while travelling or at their friends' houses. It can also be used to playpen your child. It's easy to clean and folds flat, making it convenient for storage and travel. It's a great option for families with multiple children or who are often away from home.
It is crucial to choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards. Look for a crib that does not have gaps or loose bedding, which could trap a baby and cause suffocation. Additionally, it's important to make sure that the crib is securely connected to the bed of the parent. Check the crib for any recalls before purchasing it.
Skip Hop portable cribs are a great option for a portable bed. They have a unique expandable platform that can grow with your baby. The crib is designed to be set near the parents' bed or as a stand-alone crib. It is made of durable safe materials and can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes. It is also machine washable and stain-treatable and comes with a travel bag.
Pamo Babe Lightweight Travel Cot is another good travel crib. It is light and compact, and it comes with six height adjustments to make it easier to match the barrier of the cot and the parents' mattress. It is also available with a baby insert, making it suitable for use right from the time of birth.
Before choosing a travel crib be sure to 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 able to accommodate your family. Alternatively, you can seek out family members and friends for advice on the size of their homes. It is 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 baby cot or bassinet, is a type sleeper that attaches directly to the parents bed. This lets parents keep their baby close to them while still providing the infant with a separate sleeping space. This is a type of co-sleeping that has been proven to lower the risk of SIDS. It is a fantastic option for mothers who are recovering from having a caesarean birth.
Some cribs with bedsides come with additional features, such as rocking or tilting that is a great option for infants who are fussy. Others have an attachment that can be detachable, like a moses basket that can be used for older babies. These cribs are designed to meet various safety standards. However, it's important to note that not all cribs for bed are made equal. Some cribs are more rigid than others. It's important to pick one that's suitable for your needs.
You should also consider how easy it is to clean the crib. Some cribs are made from a water-resistant material that is simple to clean, whereas other are made of wood or metal and are more difficult to keep clean. It is also important to consider the size of the crib and if it can accommodate your bed frame and mattress. Some cribs are able to be positioned over a bed rail. This means that you'll have to remove the mattress in order to access it.
Once you've selected the crib that's right for your child, it's time to put it together. Attach the 2 x4 horizontal pieces to the back of the box making sure they're flush. Screw the 2 X 4 pieces to the sides of your box. Pre-drill the screws that will be used to attach the 1X12 boards. This will stop the board from breaking.
The mothers who were given an cot with a side-car reported an overwhelming desire and preference in comparison to mothers who received standard cots in the postnatal unit. (Tully & Ball 2012). The cribs let mothers have visual and physical contact with their infants as well as facilitated emotional bonding and breastfeeding, helped with the settling process and decreased calls to staff.
Co-sleeping cribs
Many parents prefer having their infant sleep with them to supervise and take care of their child without having to get up from bed. They are also ideal for breastfeeding mums and can create a bond that can last throughout the years of childhood. This closeness can also pose a number dangers, like overlaying (when a pillow or cover from an adult is used on the face of the infant) or suffocation or rolling out of the crib onto parents. Co-sleeping cribs that are essentially a bassinet style cot that attaches to the side of your mattress, can reduce these risks.
bedside baby sleeper are not just designed to stop your child from slipping out of their bed however, they can also be elevated to the level you sleep at, which creates an incline that could help with reflux. Some cribs come with an option to rock, which some mothers find helps to settle their child.
A bedside crib is an ideal solution for parents who want their baby to be close but don't have the room for a separate Moses Basket or regular cot. MFM mum home test Mehack says she "loved" hers, saying it was easy to assemble and works well with her bedroom decor. It's particularly helpful if she has to get up to feed her baby or soothe him at night.
However, a variety of new requirements have been enacted for cribs, intended to lower the chance of SIDS. The drop-down barriers must not fall completely. Instead, a lot of cribs have 'half height' walls which provide a more secure barrier.

A mattress that's breathable and able to be cleaned easily after messy nappy-changings is another important aspect. Be sure to wash it in the machine, too, so that any accidents are dealt with quickly and easily. Also, you'll need a selection of other baby-safe bedding that includes sheets with a fitted design and a soft sleeping bag. Keep an eye out for Black Friday deals 2024 on next-to me cribs to complete your nursery.