If people aren't going to go all wierd about it, one could make a bedside container out of all sorts of containers.

I actually read a story once where someone invited a homeless acquaintance to stay with them (he was sick) which ended up including the guy's kid. Since they lived in a tiny apartment, this resulted in the kid sleeping in 'bed' made of a Rubbermaid tub and couch cushions. This was also useful, as when the guy had the inevitable "Where's my kid?" freakout they could just move the bed closer without waking the kid.