Co-sleeping is a wonderful way to bond with your baby and make nighttime feeds easier, especially for new parents. When I was pregnant and trying to figure it all out, I spent a lot of time and strategic googling to find the information I wanted.
In this post, I’ll share exactly how we set up our DIY sidecar crib, why we chose this method, and essential safety tips for co-sleeping with your baby—along with our real-life experience.
Why We Chose a Sidecar Crib for Co-Sleeping
After our baby was born, we wanted to keep her close at night but also ensure she had a safe, separate sleep space. A sidecar crib—where a cot is securely attached to the side of your bed—felt like the perfect compromise. It allowed easy access for night feeds and cuddles, while following safer sleep guidelines.
I looked at the commercial sidecar cribs such as the Arms Reach, but my research showed people complained that their little ones grew out of them too quickly, and they’re expensive in Australia. We also decided against the things that go between you both in the bed like the Snuggle bed. Our bed is a UK double, Mr Duncan is an “oblivious to the world” sleeper, and those beds become too small quickly.
After looking at lots of blogs and tutorials, we finally decided to sidecar a cot ourselves. I mainly went from the info on
Our DIY Sidecar Crib Setup (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how we created our own sidecar crib:
- Choose the Right Cot:
We bought a cheap cot/toddler bed (so it would be stable with only three sides) and removed the side, but kept the height at the highest level. - Secure the Cot to the Bed:
We positioned the cot flush against our bed and used strong straps (bungy cords) underneath to secure it tightly, so there were no gaps. This way, we had access to the cot without having to go via the bed, which is much more convenient for nap times (though a bit tricky for bed-making). - Level the Mattress Heights:
We adjusted the cot mattress so it was as close as possible to the height of our bed. The cot sat on some old phone books to bring it up a bit, but it’s still a few centimeters lower than our bed. - Fill Any Gaps:
To prevent any risk of baby getting stuck, we jammed a cut down pool noodle on the far side to keep the mattress from moving and prevent any gap. The noodle fits inside the fitted sheet along with the actual cot mattress. You could also use a rolled towel inside the sheet. - Check Stability:
We made sure the cot couldn’t move away from the bed, even with nighttime tossing and turning. - Use Safe Bedding:
We kept pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals away from the baby’s sleep space, following safe sleep recommendations.
I also bought a couple of over door baskets to hang off the cot to hold toys, books, burp cloths, etc. While she was still swaddled and not moving, I basically used the other end of her cot as a bedside table—that’s where my glasses, phone, etc., went at night.
Using the Sidecar Crib: Our Experience
For the first few weeks, it was difficult for me to sit up or turn in bed due to the c-section, so Mr Duncan slept next to Pickle and handed her to me for feeds and put her back down/settled her. That was a bit tricky. Mr Duncan is a very heavy sleeper, so I’d have to go through a big drama just to wake him to get her up, even if she was crying. He also falls asleep really fast (frequently mid-sentence), and I found both of them slumped together fast asleep a couple of times where he’d fallen asleep halfway through the passing-her-back maneuver. At least she has his sleep skills! We soon swapped sides again.
It was so good to be able to see her and listen to her breathe (I wa still having “is she still alive” paranoias), although man, babies can be noisy sleepers! I’m really happy with our choice as it gave the co-sleeping benefits and minimized the risks.
Because they say you should sleep babies with their feet at the bottom of the cot, Pickle slept by my head, facing the other way to me, but it was really easy to pick her up and slide her across for feeds/more burps/cuddles. As she became heavier to pick up, I made some sleep sacks soon to keep her warm and then she slept facing the same way as me and I just slid her across for feeds without having to worry about blanket safety.
We didn’t need to transition her to a cot later, and when she was bigger we replaced the side and moved the cot to the other side of the room. We moved her to her own room once she no longer breastfed through the night. (timing undecided—I want to breastfeed her for as long as possible, but also breastfeeding is contraceptive and time is not on our side for any sibling conception).
Tips for Safe Co-Sleeping with a Sidecar Cot
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Make sure the cot is securely attached to the bed and cannot move.
- Keep the baby’s sleep area free from loose bedding and soft objects.
- Never leave your baby unattended on the adult bed.
- Regularly check for gaps or loose fittings.
For more information, see the
Sidecar Crib vs. Other Co-Sleeping Options
While some parents use bassinets or in-bed co-sleepers, we found the sidecar crib to be the safest and most cost-effective. It grows with your baby and can be converted back to a regular cot later.
Co-Sleeping After a C-Section: What Worked for Us
Recovering from a c-section, I found the sidecar crib especially helpful. It allowed me to reach and feed our baby without getting out of bed or twisting uncomfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sidecar Cribs
Is a DIY sidecar crib safe?
Yes, if set up correctly and checked regularly for stability and gaps.
Can I use any cot for a sidecar crib?
Most standard cots can be adapted, but always check for safety and compatibility with your bed.
What if my bed and cot are different heights?
Use a firm insert or adjust the cot mattress base until both surfaces are level.
Final Thoughts
Our DIY sidecar crib has made nighttime so much easier and more restful for our whole family. If you’re considering co-sleeping, I highly recommend this setup for both convenience and peace of mind.
Do you have your own co-sleeping tips or questions? Share them in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe for more practical parenting tips and real-life stories.
Thanks again for the info. Looks like Pickle is growing well!
I'm glad you found something that works for you! Andino is a heavy sleeper too and it made me paranoid when he fell asleep holding her