What Is a Bedside Cot?
Bedside cots are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They have a drop down or a removable side that makes it easier to pick up your baby for feeding or comforting at the night.
Experts do not advise bed-sharing because it increases the risk of SIDS. They adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Convertible cribs

A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close at night, without the need to move the crib to a mattress. It also allows you to monitor them during the day and encourages parent-child interaction throughout the night, helping you connect with your child. Convertible cribs come in different styles, each with their own advantages. You can pick a sliding crib, a four-in-one sleeper beside the bed or a stand alone crib. Some have a tilt feature which can help with colic or reflux, however it must be used carefully and at an angle of just a little.
A majority of the cribs we have included on this page come with a side panel which can be lowered to allow you a better view of your child. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at the night. This gives you the ease of cosleeping without the associated risks. This can be particularly helpful if you struggle to find the perfect position for your baby to sleep at the end of the night.
It's important to remember that the most crucial piece of safe sleep advice is to put your baby on their back to sleep. This will reduce their risk of SIDS. So if your baby's feet are at the top of the crib it is not recommended to lower the panel, as this can put them at risk of rolling off and causing serious injury.
All bedside cribs should have a space of not more than 20cm between the mattress and the cot/crib to prevent baby from falling off or becoming trapped. Many come with a safety barrier that you can fix to your own bed. Some also include shelves to store nappies, wipes and toys, and music, rockers and night lights.
Second-hand mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. You should look for mattresses that are firm and breathable with a waterproof covering that can be cleaned. You can also buy a cot-mattress protector that will protect your investment. It can also make cleaning your crib simpler.
Portable cribs
A portable crib allows you to keep your child close to you without risking their safety. It lets parents comfort their babies without having to get out of the bed. Parents can also use it while traveling or at a friend's house. It can also be used to playpen your baby. It is easy to clean and it can be folded flat for storage and travel. It's a great option for families with children who are multiple or who frequently leave the home.
bedside baby sleeper to choose a crib that is in compliance with the most stringent safety standards. You should choose cribs with no gaps or loose bedding that could keep the baby trapped and cause the baby to suffocate. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the crib is firmly secured to the parent's bed. If you're buying a second-hand crib, be sure to look it over for recalls on parts.
Skip Hop portable cribs are an excellent choice for a portable bed. They come with a unique expandable platform that grows with your baby's. The cot is designed to be set near the parents' bed or as a stand-alone crib. It can be set up in various sizes and is made of premium materials that are durable and safe. It is machine washable and stain-treatable and comes with a travel bag.
Another great travel crib is the Pamo Babe Lightweight Portable Cot. This lightweight and compact crib comes with six height settings that can be adjusted to fit the cot's wall and the mattress of the parents. It's also available with a baby insert, which allows it to be suitable for use starting at birth.
Before choosing a travel crib be sure to determine how large the room will be at your destination. If you're staying in a hotel, inquire with the staff about the size of their rooms to see whether they can meet your family's needs. Alternately, you can ask friends and relatives for advice about the size of their homes. You should also be aware of the climate in your location as it may affect how your child sleeps.
Side-car cribs
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or a baby cot) is a kind of crib that is attached to the bed of the parents which allows parents to keep their infant close but still providing the infant an independent sleeping space. This is a form of co-sleeping which has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. It is a great choice for mothers recovering after a caesarean birth.
Some cribs with bedsides come with additional features such as tilting or rocking, which is a great option for babies who are fussy. Others have an attachment that can be detachable, like a moses basket that can be used by older babies. These cribs are made to meet a variety of safety standards. However, it's important to note that not all bedside cribs are created equal. Certain cribs are more rigid than others. It's crucial to pick one that is suitable for your needs.
You should also think about how it will be easy to clean the crib. Some cribs are constructed of a water-resistant fabric that is easy to clean, whereas other are made from wood or metal and are more difficult to keep clean. The dimensions of the crib as well as whether or not it can accommodate a mattress and bed frame are also important factors. Some cribs can be fitted over a bed rail. This means that you'll need to take the mattress off to get it.
Once you've selected the crib that is suitable for your child, it's time to put it in place. Attach the 2 x4 horizontal pieces to the back of the box, making sure they are in a straight line. Then attach the front 2 X 4 to the sides of the box and drill any screws that 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 a preference and a huge amount of enthusiasm for them, compared to mothers who received standard cots in the postnatal unit. (Tully and Ball 2012). They found that the cribs allowed for physical and visual contact with their infants as well as emotional closeness and breastfeeding; facilitated settling; and minimised calls to the staff.
Co-sleeping cribs
Many parents prefer to have their infant sleep with them to monitor and take care of them without needing to get up. They are also perfect for breastfeeding mothers and encourage a bond that will last throughout childhood. This closeness could also present some dangers, including overlaying (when an infant's 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, which are basically a cot with a bassinet design that can be attached to the side of your mattress and can help reduce the risk.
As well as preventing your child from rolling off the bed These cribs can be raised to the height of your bed, offering an incline that could help with reflux. Some even come with the ability to rock that some mothers find helps in settling their little one.
A bedside crib can be a great solution for parents who want their baby to be close but don't have space to have a separate Moses Basket or a regular cot. MFM mum home tester Mehack says she "loved" her crib, saying it was easy to assemble and blends well with her bedroom decor. She says it's especially useful if she has to get up in the morning to feed her baby or soothe her at night.
However, a few new requirements have been enacted for cribs, designed to reduce the risk of SIDS. The drop-down barriers must not drop completely. Instead, a lot of cribs come with 'half-height' walls which provide a more secure barrier.
A mattress that is breathable and can be cleaned easily after messy nappy changes is an additional important aspect. It should also be machine washable to help you manage any accidents quickly and easily. You'll also need a range of other baby-safe bedding that includes sheets with a fitted design and a comfortable sleeping bag. Be sure to keep an eye out for Black Friday 2024 deals on cribs next to me, so that you can outfit your nursery with amazing bargains.