A Small Bedside Cot That Attaches to Your Adult Bed
A crib that is placed near your bed can help you keep your baby close at night, without the need to get up. The fabric's breathable design allows you to easily see your baby and they're easy to lower for those tired 3am feeds.
Some double as a moses' basket.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside crib (also called bassinet or co-sleeper) is a baby crib that is attached to your adult bed, allowing your newborn to sleep in a safe environment with you. It's a method of safe co-sleeping that doesn't increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) like bedsharing, and can help you bond with your new arrival.
These cots often come with a side that can be raised, so you can easily reach your baby during the night for feeding and comforting. This is particularly useful for mothers recovering from a c section. Many are portable or foldable which means you can use them to travel or as a temporary solution for newborns who aren't ready to move into a full-sized crib.
Choose a crib that has a breathable mattress, and a protective cover that will protect your baby from stains. It is also advisable to pick up some baby-safe add-ons like a blanket, teether and a soft toys.
If you are seeking a long-term solution, some cribs come with conversion kits that allow you to convert them into a toddler bed or a cot when the time is right. This will prolong their life and make the transition easier. Some even have a removable top section that can be converted into an infant bed, and some can be used on the regular or high-rise adult bed. This is a great option for families that plan to frequently travel or switch between bedrooms at night. You should also consider the size of your bedroom to ensure you can fit the crib in comfortably. Many cribs have risers that can be used to create an incline for babies who have reflux.
The Joie Roomie Glide
Known for their high-quality baby products, English brand Joie has entered the world of cribs for bedside use with the Roomie Glide. This co-sleeper was designed to help parents bond and sleep side-by-side with their children without sharing a single bed. It's loaded with features that help make bonding between parent and baby safe, easy, and fun.
A smooth, steady rocking motion could be activated by pressing a button. This gentle rhythm can help to soothe your baby without disrupting their natural sleep patterns. This is great for toddlers and older babies who are struggling to settle and can aid in digestive issues like colic and reflux.
The crib can be locked into its place after the rocking has been done to stop it moving and can also be secured to the bed's side using clips and straps. This makes it very stable and secure allowing you to enjoy a great night's sleep without worrying about your child sliding off into the middle of the room. The cocoon's rounded shape features softly padded sides and two mesh windows on both ends to allow plenty of air flow whilst making sure your baby is safe.
The mattress included is comfortable and firm. It also includes a washable cover. The crib is simple to assemble and disassemble with a lightweight aluminium frame that makes it very portable. The four rubber-covered wheels lockable ensure that the crib will not leave marks on your flooring and is easy to move. bedside crib travel is easy to clean using fabric wipes and is easy to carry in a travel bag making it perfect for long-term time away from home.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air
This superior model is designed to be a safe next-to-me-crib from birth to 6 months. It features bars with rocking for easy mobility and castors. The airflow mattresses are deluxe and provide a comfy sleeping surface, while the ventilation panels keep your baby cool. There are also 6 different height settings, including an incline option to help with congestion and reflux.
The Tutti Bambini COZee air crib has a fabric that can be removed and a wipe-clean lining. This makes it much easier to clean than other bedside cribs which can create a mess to clean. It also has an upper bar that can be easily adjusted to feed at night without having to fiddle with zips in the dark.
Anna found the CoZee to provide a safe, comfortable place to sleep for her baby. It was a pleasure to not move like other models so she wasn't woken up at night while trying to soothe her child to feed. She also enjoyed the fact that the side could be lowered so that she didn't have to reach out over her partner to carry the baby for night time feeds.
The CoZee is available in oak and charcoal and is a beautiful addition to the bedroom. It's more modern than the other cribs we've tested that are usually utilitarian. It's also fairly light at 11kg and comes with a carrying case so you can carry it away on holidays or if moving house. You only need to purchase a waterproof sheet and a safety strap for sleeping together. The instructions and pictures are easy 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 as they sleep. It can be adjusted both up and down and moved to three different slide positions to be placed beside the bed of the parent or in the corner, to ensure that the infant is always in reach. The mesh siding is breathable, allowing air to circulate through and gives you a quick glance at your child. And you can store additional pajamas and other items in the large storage basket underneath.
The Iora is a bedside crib that is smaller and folds flat. It also comes with a travel bag which allows it to be taken anywhere. Our mum testers were able to move it from room to room and believed it was a great size for a bedside cot, and not too big or small. They also liked the large storage basket which is ideal for stowing spare bedding or nappies.
This is a great choice for parents looking to sleep in a co-sleeping arrangement but do not wish to share their beds or whose partner may be prone to mobility issues, such as arthritis or back issues. Our mum testers love the ease with which they can access their child in the Iora and that it has an option to tilt the bed upwards to aid in reducing gas.
Our mums love that it follows NICE guidelines. These include placing the baby in a Moses basket or crib on its own without toys, blankets, pillows etc. They also state that the mattress is comfortable and firm for babies and is easy to find sheets for. It's not as light as other smaller bedside cribs, though it is a good choice if you are looking for something lighter and easier to move around with, think about one of the other options on our list.