What Is a Bedside Cot?
Bedside cots are available in a bassinet-style and are connected to the bed's side. They come with a side that is removable or drop-down that makes it easier to pick up and feed your baby at night.
Experts do not recommend bed-sharing because it increases the risk of SIDS. They adhere to strict safety regulations.
Convertible cribs
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close at night, without having to transfer the crib to a mattress. You can also observe them during the day, and it encourages parent-child interactions throughout the night. This can help you build a bond with your child. There are a variety of convertible cribs that are available, each with their own unique benefits. You can pick a sliding crib, a 4-in-1 sleeper next to the bed or a stand-alone crib. Some come with a tilt feature that can aid in treating colic or reflux, however it must be used carefully and at a slight angle.
Many of the bedside cribs on our list have an attached side panel that is able to be lowered, which gives you an easy view of your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at the time of night. This allows for the convenience of sleeping with your baby without the associated risks. This is particularly beneficial if you struggle to find the right position for your baby to rest in at night.
However, it's worth remembering that the most important piece of safe sleeping advice is to put your baby on their back to sleep. This will reduce their risk of SIDS. If your baby's feet are near the top of the crib you shouldn't lower this panel, as this can expose them to the risk of rolling off and could cause serious injury.
All cribs that are used as bedside cribs must have a space of no more than 20cm between the mattress and cot/crib to prevent your baby from falling off or getting trapped, and many come with a safety fence that you can fix to your own bed. bedside cots for newborns include shelves for storing nappies and wipes, along with 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 can be washed. You can also purchase mattress protectors for your cot to safeguard your investment and make cleaning your crib's bed easier.
Portable cribs
A portable crib is an excellent way to keep your baby close at night without risking their safety. It lets parents soothe their infants without having to leave their the bed. Parents can also use it when traveling or at a friend's house. It can be used to playpen your baby. It's easy to clean and can be folded flat, making it perfect for storage and travel. It's a great choice for families with several children or who often are away from home.

It is important to choose cribs that meet the highest standards of safety. Make sure that the crib doesn't have gaps or loose bedding, which could trap a baby and cause death. It's also important to ensure that the crib is firmly secured to the parent's bed. Check the crib for any recalled components before buying it.
One of the most effective options for a travel crib is the Skip Hop portable baby bed with a unique expandable base that grows with your child. The crib can be placed near the bed of the parent or used as a freestanding crib. It is made of sturdy, safe materials and can be adjusted to fit various sizes. It is also machine washable and stain-treatable. It comes with a travel bag.
Pamo Babe Lightweight Portable Cot is another great travel crib. The crib is lightweight and compact, and includes six height settings that can be adjusted to better align the cot to the parents' mattress. It also comes with a newborn insert, which makes it suitable for use from birth.
Before choosing a travel crib ensure you determine how big the room will be at your destination. If you're staying in a hotel, inquire with the staff about the dimensions of their rooms to see if they can accommodate your family's requirements. Alternately, you can ask your family and friends for advice on the size of their homes. Also, you should be aware of the climate in your area as it could affect how your child sleeps.
Side-car cribs
A bedside crib, also referred to as a baby cot or bassinet, is a type sleeper that attaches directly to parents' beds. This lets parents keep their infant close while providing the infant with a separate sleeping space. This is a type of co-sleeping which has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. It's also a good choice for mothers recovering from a caesarean section birth.
Some cribs for bed have additional features, such as tilting or rocking, which could be beneficial for fussy infants. Some have an attachment that can be detachable, like a moses basket that can be used for older babies. The cribs have been constructed to meet various safety standards. However it is important to remember that not all cribs are made equal. Certain cribs are more rigid than others. It is important to choose one that suits your needs.
You should also consider how it will be easy to clean the crib. Some cribs are made of a water-resistant fabric that is easy to clean, whereas others are made of metal or wood and are harder to keep clean. It is also important to consider the crib's size and whether it will fit your mattress and bed frame. Some cribs are made to fit over a bed rail, meaning that you'll need remove the mattress to get it off.
Once you've picked the perfect crib, it's time to assemble it. Attach the 2 x4 horizontal pieces to the box's back and make sure they're in a straight line. Then put the front 2 X 4 to the sides of the box, and pre-drill the screws that will go into the 1 X 12 boards. This will prevent the board from breaking.
The mothers who were given an cot with a side-car reported an overwhelming desire and preference for them compared to the mothers who were given standard cots in the postnatal unit. (Tully and Ball 2012). They discovered that the cribs allowed physical and visual contact with babies; enabled emotional closeness and breastfeeding; helped with the settling process; and reduced calls to staff.
Co-sleeping cribs
Many parents prefer to have their child sleep with them so that they can monitor and care for them without needing to get up. These are also great for mums who are breastfeeding and help to build a lasting bond. But this closeness is accompanied by many dangers, including the possibility of overlaying (when an adult's pillow or a cover is placed on the face of the infant), suffocation, and the possibility of rolling from the crib onto the parent. Co-sleeping cribs, which are essentially a bassinet style cot that attaches to the mattress's side, can reduce these risks.
These cribs are not only designed to prevent your child from falling out of the bed however, they can also be elevated to the level you sleep at, creating a slight incline which may aid in reducing reflux. Some have a rocking function that some mothers find helps to settle their little one.
A bedside crib can be an ideal option for parents who want their child to be close but do not have space for a separate Moses Basket or regular cot. MFM mom home test Mehack says she "loved" her crib, saying it was simple to put together and fits in nicely with her bedroom decor. She adds that it's especially useful when she has to get up in the morning for feeds or soothing, as it doesn't require her to get up.
However, a variety of new requirements have been put in place for cribs, aimed at decreasing the risk of SIDS. This includes a requirement that the drop-down barrier doesn't completely drop Instead, many have a 'half-height' wall that create a more protective barrier.
A mattress that's breathable and able to be easily cleaned after messy nappy changes is an additional important aspect. Be sure to wash it in the machine, too so that any spills are dealt with quickly and easily. You'll need to buy various other baby-safe items like a fitted bed sheet or sleeping bag that is air-conditioned. Keep an eye out for Black Friday deals 2024 on cribs that are next-to-me to help kit out your nursery.