A bedside cot or co-sleeper is a slightly smaller baby bed that can be open to one side. With this open side, the cot can be connected to the parent bed. However, before purchasing, you should check which model can be attached to your bed.
Advantages of a bedside cot
Especially in the first months, it is important that your baby can sleep close to the parents. Co-sleeping, i.e. sleeping side by side, is good for both parents and baby.
- Promotes parent-child bonding. The mother notices in her sleep when the child is not well, wakes up, and can immediately turn to her offspring.
- The baby sleeps better when it’s near the parents. It can smell and hear mum and dad, not feeling alone. As a result, your baby can also fall asleep faster and wake up less often at night.
- Many parents doubt whether it is really good to let the baby sleep in the parent’s bed. The baby can easily disappear under the heavy duvet or mum or dad can accidentally lie down on their sweety. A bedside cot is a perfect alternative. The baby is close to mum and dad, but still has its own little kingdom, where it can sleep safe and secure without disappearing in the parent’s large bed.
- An extra bed also creates short distances if the baby needs to be cared for again. This allows parents to respond to their baby's worries and needs out of bed. For example, the mother can breastfeed out of bed.
Very important: Always make sure that the bedside cot has a firm stand and that there is no gap between the parent’s bed and the baby's bed. This is the only way your baby is safe and protected!