What Is a Bedside Cot?
Bedside cots come in a bassinet design and are fixed to the side of the bed. They come with a drop down or a removable side that makes it easier for you to take your baby for feeding and relaxing at the night.
These are an excellent alternative to bed-sharing, which isn't recommended by experts and increases the risk of SIDS. They are regulated by strict safety guidelines.
Convertible cribs
A bedside crib is a practical way to keep your baby close at the night without having to shift them to your own 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. Convertible cribs are available in a variety of different styles, each with its own benefits. You can choose between a sliding crib, a four-in-one sleeper that is placed beside your bed, or a stand-alone crib. Some come with a tilt feature that can aid in treating reflux or colic, but it must be used carefully and at an angle of just a little.
Many of the cribs that are bedside on our list have an attached side panel that can be lowered, which gives you an easy view of your baby. Some also let you put the panel down at night, giving the comfort of co-sleeping without the dangers associated with it. This is particularly beneficial when you are struggling to find the right position for your baby to rest in at night.
It's important to remember that the most crucial piece of safe sleeping advice is to lie your baby on their back to sleep. This will lower the risk of SIDS. If your baby's feet are resting at the bottom, you should not lower the panel. This can put them in danger of rolling over and causing serious injuries.
Many bedside cribs come with a safety barrier you can connect to your bed. Some also include shelves for storing nappies, wipes and toys, along with rockers, music and night lights.
Mattresses that are second-hand can increase the risk of SIDS. It is recommended to choose a firm, breathable mattress with a waterproof covering that is able to be cleaned. You can also purchase mattress protectors for your cot to further safeguard your investment and make cleaning your bedside crib a lot easier.
Portable cribs
A portable crib lets 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 staying at a friend's home. It can also be used to playpen your baby. It is easy to clean and folds flat for storage and travel. It's a great choice for families who have multiple children or who often are away from home.

It is crucial to choose a crib that is in compliance with the highest safety standards. You should choose cribs that are free of gaps or bedding that could keep the baby trapped and cause death. It's also important that the crib is securely attached to the bed of the parents. If you're buying a second-hand crib, be sure to check it carefully for any recalls of parts.
One of the top options for a travel crib is the Skip Hop portable baby bed, which features a unique expandable base that grows with your child's. The crib is designed to be placed near the bed of the parents or as a stand-alone crib. It is made of sturdy, safe materials and can be adjusted to fit various sizes. It's machine washable and stain-treatable. Additionally, it comes with a carrying pouch for traveling.
Another great travel crib is the Pamo Babe Lightweight Travel Cot. It is light and compact, and includes six height settings that can be adjusted to better align the cot to the mattress of the parents. It also comes with a newborn insert, making it suitable for use from birth.
Before you pick a travel crib, make sure to find out how large the room will be when you arrive at your destination. If you're staying at a hotel, inquire with the staff about the dimensions of their rooms to see if they can accommodate your family's requirements. You can also ask friends and relatives for suggestions on the size of their homes. Also, you should consider the climate in your location as it may influence how well your child sleeps.
Side-car cribs
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or a baby cot) is a kind of sleeper that attaches to the parents' bed and allows them to keep their baby close while giving the baby a separate sleeping surface. This is a method of co-sleeping that has been proven to lower the risk of SIDS. It is also an ideal choice for mothers recovering from caesarean section birth.
Some bedside cribs have additional features like the ability of tilting or rocking, which could be beneficial for fussy infants. Some cribs have an adjustable moses basket that can be used by older children. These cribs are designed to meet various safety standards. However it's important to keep in mind that not all bedside cribs are made equal. Some have higher standards than others, so it's essential to choose a crib that meets your specific needs.
It is also important to consider how easy it is to clean the crib. Some manufacturers make use of a water-resistant fabric, which makes it easy to clean, while other cribs are constructed of metal or wood, 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 made to be able to be placed over a bed rail which means that you'll have remove the mattress to get it off.
Once you've selected the crib that is suitable for your child, it is time to put it together. Screw the horizontal 2 X4 pieces to the back of the box making sure they're in a straight line. Attach the 2 x 4 pieces to the sides of your box. Pre-drill all screws that go into the 1X12 boards. This will prevent the board from breaking.
The mothers who received an cot with a side-car reported an overwhelming desire and preference for them, compared to mothers who were given standard cots in the postnatal unit. (Tully & Ball 2012). They found that the cribs allowed for physical and visual contact with babies as well as emotional closeness and breastfeeding; facilitated the settling process; and reduced calls to staff.
Co-sleeping cribs
Many parents like the idea of their baby sleeping close to them and allowing them to observe and care for them without needing to get out of bed. They are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding and help to build a lasting bond. This closeness can also pose some dangers, like overlaying (when an infant's pillow or cover that is provided by an adult is placed on the face of the infant) as well as suffocation, and even rolling out of the crib onto a parent. The risk of these are minimized by using a co-sleeping cot, which is basically a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to the bed's side.
As well as in preventing your child from rolling off the mattress These cribs can be raised to the height of your bed, offering a slight incline that may help with reflux. Some cribs have the option of rocking which some mothers have found helps in settling their child.
A bedside crib is a great solution for parents who want their child to be close, but do not have the room for a separate Moses Basket or a regular cot. Mehack, a MFM mother who has tested the cribs at home, said she "loved' hers. She noted that it was simple to put together and was in harmony with her bedroom decor. She adds that it's especially useful if she needs to get up for night feedings or a soothing bath, since it doesn't require her to get out of bed.
However, a few new requirements have been introduced for cribs, which are aimed at decreasing the chance of SIDS. The drop-down barrier cannot be lowered completely. Instead, twin bedside cot of cribs come with 'half-height' walls which provide a more protective barrier.
A mattress that is breathable and can be cleaned quickly after messy nappy-changings is another important aspect. Make sure that it's machine washable as well to ensure that any spills are dealt with quickly and easily. You'll also require a variety of other baby-safe bedding, including a fitted sheet and a comfortable sleeping bag. Look out for Black Friday deals 2024 on next-to me cribs to furnish your nursery.