Then You've Found Your Small Bedside Cot ... Now What?
A Small Bedside Cot That Attaches to Your Adult Bed
If you're looking 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 best option. The fabric is breathable and allows you to easily see your baby and is easy to lower if you need an early feeding.
Some also double up as a moses basket too.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet, or co-sleeper, is a small baby cot that is attached to an adult bed. This allows your child to sleep with you in peace. This is a secure form of co-sleeping, which doesn't increase the risk of SIDS like bedsharing. It can also help you bond with the newborn baby.
The cots come with an end that can be lowered so that you can reach your baby easily at night to soothe and feed them. This is especially helpful for mothers who are recovering from a c-section. Many are portable or foldable making them suitable for trips and as an interim solution for infants who aren't ready to be able to transition into a full-sized crib.
Find a crib that has a breathable mattress, and a protective cover that will shield your baby from staining. You should also pick up some baby-safe add-ons like a blanket, teether and cuddly toy.
If you're looking for a longer-term option, some cribs have conversion kits that let you convert them into a cot or toddler bed at the time of need. This can extend their lifespan and make the transition smoother. Some even have a removable top section that transforms into an infant bed, and some can be used as the regular or high-rise adult bed. This is a great option for families who are planning on frequent travel or switching rooms during the night. Be aware of the dimensions of your bedroom to ensure you be able to fit in the crib comfortably. Many cribs come with a riser which can be used to create an inclined position for infants who suffer from reflux.
The Joie Roomie Glide
The Roomie Glide, a bedside crib from the English brand Joie, is a great addition to their range of high-quality products for infants. This co-sleeper was designed to allow parents to connect and sleep side-by-side with their babies, without sharing a single bed. It is full of features that help make bonding between parent and baby safe, simple, and fun.
A smooth, steady rocking motion could be activated by pressing a button. This gentle rhythm will help to soothe your baby without disrupting their natural sleep patterns. This is ideal for toddlers and older babies who struggle to settle. It can help with digestive issues such as colic and reflux.
The crib can be locked into it once the rocking is completed to stop it from moving and can also be secured on the side of your bed with a strap and clip attachment. This makes the crib very solid and secure which allows you to rest soundly without worrying that your baby might roll off into the middle. The rounded cocoon shape comes with softly cushioned sides and double mesh windows on both sides to allow ample air flow while protecting your baby.
The mattress included is firm and comfortable and has an easy-to-clean cover. The crib is simple to put together and take down thanks to an aluminum frame that is lightweight and makes it extremely portable. The four lockable wheels are rubber-covered to ensure that the crib doesn't leave marks on your floor and are easy to move around. The crib is easy to clean due to the fabric that is washable and is able to be easily tucked away in a bag for long-term stays.
The Tutti Bambini CoZeeAir
It is designed to be a secure crib that can be used as a next-to-me crib from birth until six months old, this top model has rocking bars and castors for ease of movement. The airflow mattresses are deluxe and provide a comfy sleeping surface, while the ventilation panels keep your baby cool. There are 6 different height settings including an incline setting to aid in reducing reflux and congestion.
The Tutti Bambini COZee Air crib has a removable fabric and wipe-clean lining. This makes it much easier to clean than other bedside cribs that are messy to clean. Additionally, it comes with an upper bar that is easily lowered to feed at night without having to search for zips in the dark.
Anna discovered that the CoZee was a safe and comfortable sleep space for her newborn. She was delighted that it didn't sway like some other models, meaning it didn't wake her up at night while she was trying to comfort her baby during feedings. She also liked that the side lowered down so she didn't have to reach over her partner to lift the baby to feed her at night.
The CoZee is available in charcoal and oak and is a beautiful addition to the bedroom. It looks more designer than other cribs we've seen that are usually utilitarian. It is also relatively light at just 11kg. It also comes with a carry-on case that allows you to take it on holiday or when moving house. You only need to purchase an waterproof sheet and a safety strap for co-sleeping. There are step-bystep instructions and illustrations to guide you through the process when first opening the box and making it a one-person job when needed.
The Maxi-Cosi lora
The Iora is an infant bassinet designed to help parents feel closer to their baby while they sleep. bedside rocking crib adjusts upwards and downwards and moves through three slide positions to fit next to the bed of the parent or in the corner of the room to ensure that your baby is within arm's reach. The mesh siding allows air to flow through, and allows you to quickly see your baby. You can also store additional pajamas or other items in the large storage basket beneath.
Unlike some other smaller bedside cribs Iora is a standout among other bedside cribs. Iora folds flat and comes with a bag for travel so that it can be taken wherever. It was easy to move around from room to room, and our mom testers thought it was the right size for a bedside crib. The large storage basket is great to store bedding and nappies.
This is a great choice for parents who are looking to sleep in a co-sleeping arrangement but do not want to share their own beds or whose partner may be suffering from mobility issues, such as back problems or arthritis. Our mum testers love the ease with which they can access their child in the Iora and that it comes with an optional reflux incline to help alleviate gas.
Our mums also love the fact that it complies with NICE guidelines which state that you should place the infant in a crib or Moses basket on its own (with no blankets, toys, pillows, etc). The mattress is also a good firm and comfortable for babies and sheets are easily available. It isn't as light as other cribs that are smaller, though, so if you want something lighter and easier to move around, think about one of the other options on our list.