10 Healthy Baby Bedside Cot Habits

Baby bedside rocking crib Cot

A baby bedside crib (or next-to-me crib) is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the mattress's side. This allows you to touch your baby and soothe the infant without having to get up from your mattress. Some models also have an incline function that can assist in relieving reflux.

Remember, you should only sleep with your baby in a crib, bassinet or bedside crib when the mattress is flat and firm to minimize the chance of being suffocated.

Cot

bedside co sleeper cot cots, also known as bassinets or cosleepers, are a great way to keep your baby close to you in the first few months. The cots are designed to sit next to your bed so that you can bring your baby closer to feed them at night or help soothe them back to sleep. They're also ideal for mums recovering from an C-section.

There are a variety of models available and the Arm's reach Clear-Vue stands out. The play yard is compact and has four sides. Two of them are long and may be removed from the way with Velcro so that you can easily access your baby during those nighttime feeds.

Another alternative is the Baby Hug 4 In 1 Air, which also has a drop-down side and can be converted into a recliner. This is a great option for infants to toddlers and provides you with the flexibility to alter the position of your baby's sleep as they grow.

It's important to note that although a bassinet can be used in lieu of an existing cot but Red Nose strongly recommends sleeping your infant in their own cot from the time of birth until six months. This is due to the risk of SIDS is significantly greater when babies share beds, particularly with adults, and because it's unsafe to allow an infant to sleep in a bassinet which doesn't meet mandatory Australian safety standards.

Cots are more secure than bassinets as they have a fixed height that will ensure there is no gap between the baby's mattress and the adult bed. They're also usually larger, meaning they can be converted to full-size or toddler beds as your baby grows, which could save you money in the long run.

When looking for a new crib for your baby, it's important to consider your budget and the dimensions of your bedroom or nursery when you select a model. Keep in mind that cot beds are likely to be more expensive than bassinets but are a great investment as they last for a long time and can be used as your child moves from infancy into the age of childhood and beyond.

It's important to remember that you'll require a mattress for your baby's cot or rocking bedside crib crib. The mattress should be flat, firm and breathable for your baby to enjoy a good sleep and reduce the risk of developing breathing issues or pressure sores. Be cautious of mattresses that are second-hand because they could increase the risk of your child developing SIDS, and make sure you select a brand that's been approved by the CPSC and adheres to the latest guidelines. Be careful not to overstuff the crib or use duvets, pillows, bumpers or baby positioners. They could be a suffocation risk. A comfortable, airy mattress for your baby bedside sleeper should support the spine. On the internet, you can find many baby mattresses, from budget-friendly options to luxury brands. If you're not sure, try them out in the store.