The Biggest Issue With Small Bedside Cot, And How You Can Fix It
A Small Bedside Cot That Attaches to Your Adult Bed
If you want to keep your baby as close as possible at night, but not have to leave the bed, a crib that is placed beside your bed is the perfect solution. The breathable fabric allows you to see your baby easily and they are easy to lower when you need an early feeding.
Some double as a moses' basket.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) is a baby crib that is attached to your adult bed, allowing your baby to sleep comfortably next to you. This is a type of co-sleeping that is safe and does not increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) like bedsharing and can help you bond with your newborn.
They have one side that can be lowered to allow you to reach your baby easily at night to soothe and feed them. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from a csection. Many are also foldable or portable, so you can bring them along on trips and use them as a sleeping solution for infants who aren't quite ready to move to a larger cot.
Choose a crib that has a breathable mattress, and a protective cover that will shield your baby from stains. You might also want to purchase some baby-safe accessories like an infant blanket or a teether.
If you're looking for a longer-term solution cribs are available with conversion kits that allow you to transform them into a toddler bed or a cot when the time is right. This is a great way to extend their life span and making the transition smoother. Some have a removable section at the top that can be turned into the bassinet. Other models can be used in conjunction with a standard adult bed or a high-rise model. This is a great option for families who plan to frequently travel or switch between bedrooms in the evening. You should also consider the size of your room to ensure you can fit the crib in comfortably. A lot of cribs have an incline which can be used to create an incline to accommodate babies with reflux.
The Joie Roomie Glide
Known for their high-quality baby products for babies, the English brand Joie has entered the world of cribs that are bedside with the Roomie Glide. It is designed to allow parents to bond with their babies whilst sleeping together without sharing a bed. This co-sleeper is packed with features that make bonding between parents and babies easy, safe and enjoyable.
A smooth rocking motion can be activated by pressing the button. This can soothe baby into sleep by a gentle rhythm that doesn't disrupt their normal sleeping routine. This is ideal for toddlers and older babies who struggle to settle and can aid in digestion problems such as reflux and colic.
The crib can be locked in it once the rocking is done to stop it moving. It can be secured to the side of your bed by clips and straps. This makes the crib very solid and secure which allows you to rest peacefully, without having to worry that your baby will roll off into the middle. The cocoon's rounded shape features soft padding on the sides and double mesh windows on both ends. This allows for airflow while ensuring your baby's safety.
The mattress included is comfortable and firm and is covered in a washable material. The crib is simple to set up and disassemble thanks to the lightweight aluminum frame that makes it very portable. The four locking wheels are covered in rubber to ensure the crib won't leave marks on your floor and are easy to move around. It is easy to clean using fabric wipes and is easy to carry in a backpack, making it perfect for overnight absences from home.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air
This model is made to be a secure, next-to-me-crib from birth to 6 months. It has rocking bars to allow for easy mobility, as well as castors. The deluxe airflow mattresses provide a comfy sleeping surface, while the ventilation panels keep your baby cool. There are also 6 different height settings and an incline option to help with reflux and congestion.
Unlike cheap bedside cot that can be a nightmare to clean due to their constant stream of snot and dribble, the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air comes with a wipe-clean liner and fabric that can be washed in the machine. Additionally, it comes with an upper bar that can be easily adjusted to feed at night without having to fumble with zips in the dark.
Anna found that the CoZee was a comfortable and safe place to sleep for her baby. She was pleased that it didn't move like other models, which meant she wasn't woken up at night while trying to soothe her child for feedings. She also enjoyed that the side was lowered so she didn't need to reach out over her partner to carry the baby out for feedings at night.
The CoZee is available in oak or charcoal and is a fashionable addition to any bedroom. It's more an elegant piece of furniture than some of the other cribs that we've tested, which can appear quite utilitarian. It is also relatively lightweight at just 11kg and comes with a carry case, so you can take it on holiday or when you are moving home. The only extras you have to purchase are a waterproof cover and a co-sleeping safety strap. The instructions and images are simple to follow once you open the box.
The Maxi-Cosi lora
The Iora is a bassinet for the bed that helps parents feel connected to their infant while they sleep. It can be adjusted upwards and downwards and moved to three different slide positions, to be placed beside the parent's bed or in the corner to ensure that the infant is always at hand. The breathable mesh siding allows air to flow through and gives you a quick glance at your little one. And you can stow extra pajamas and supplies in the large storage basket under.
As opposed to other bedside cribs Iora is a standout among other bedside cribs. Iora can be folded flat and comes with a travel bag to allow it to be taken anywhere. It was easy to move around from room to room and our mum testers felt it was the perfect size for a bedside crib. The large storage basket is ideal for storing extra bedding or nappies.
This is a great choice for parents looking to co-sleep, but do not want to share their own beds, or whose partners might have mobility issues, like back problems or arthritis. Our mom testers are thrilled with the ease with which they can access their baby in the Iora and that it has an optional reflux incline to help with gas.
Our moms love that it follows NICE guidelines. These are to place the infant in a Moses basket or crib on its own, without blankets, toys and pillows. They also say that the mattress is comfortable and firm for baby and is easy to find sheets for. It isn't as light as other cribs for bedside use however, so if you want something lighter and more portable, consider one of the other options on our list.