A Small Bedside Cot That Attaches to Your Adult Bed
A crib for bed will allow you to keep your baby close to you at night, without having to get out of bed. The fabric is breathable, which lets you easily see your baby and they're incredibly easy to lower for those sleepy 3am feeds.
They can also be used as a moses basket, too.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) is a small baby crib that can be attached to your adult bed, allowing your infant to sleep safely next to 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.
The cots usually have a side that is able to be lowered, so you can easily reach your newborn during the night for feeding and comforting. This is particularly useful for mothers who are recovering from a c-section. Many are also mobile or foldable, which means you can take them on trips and use them as a temporary sleep solution for newborns who aren't ready to transition into a cot that is full size.
Choose a crib that has a mattress that is breathable, as well as a protective cover that will protect your baby from stains. You'll also want to purchase baby-safe accessories 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 when the time comes. This can extend their lifespan and make the transition easier. Some have a removable section at the top that can be turned into an infant bed. Some can be used with a standard adult bed or a high-rise one. This is a good choice for families that plan on frequently traveling or transferring between bedrooms during the night. Be aware of the size of your bedroom to ensure you be able to fit in the crib comfortably. Many cribs come with an riser that can be used to create an inclined position for infants who suffer from 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. The co-sleeper was created to help parents connect and sleep side-by-side with their babies without sharing the same bed. It's loaded with features that make bonding between parents and baby safe, easy, and fun.
One of the main features is a soft rocking motion that can be activated at the press of an button. This can soothe baby into sleep by a gentle rhythm that doesn't disrupt their normal sleeping pattern. This is ideal for toddlers and older infants who struggle to settle. It can also help with 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 with a strap and clip attachment. This makes the crib sturdy and secure and allows you to sleep soundly without worrying that your baby might roll off into the middle. The rounded cocoon shape has softly cushioned sides and double mesh windows at both ends to allow for plenty of airflow while making sure your baby is safe.
The mattress comes with a firm and comfortable and comes with an easily removable cover. The crib is easy to assemble and disassemble with a lightweight aluminium frame that makes it extremely portable. The four rubber-covered wheels lockable ensure that the crib will not leave marks on your floors and are easy to move. The crib is easy to clean with the fabric that is washable and can be easily packed in bags for long-term stays.
The TuttiBambini CoZee Air
This model is made to be a secure, baby-sitter from birth to 6 months. It comes with rocking bars to allow for easy mobility, as well as castors. The airflow mattress is a premium model that provides a comfortable sleep surface while the ventilation panels ensure your baby is kept cool. There are 6 different height settings including an incline setting that can help with reflux and congestion.
The Tutti Bambini COZee air crib comes with a removable fabric and a wipe-clean lining. This makes it easier to clean than other bedside cribs that are a mess to clean. It also has an upper bar that can be easily lowered to accommodate feedings at night without having to fiddle with zips.
Cots 4 Tots found the CoZee to be a safe, comfortable sleeping space for her infant. She liked that it didn't move like other models, so she wasn't woken up in the night trying to soothe her baby to feed. She also loved that the side lowered down so that she didn't have to reach over her partner to pull the baby out for feedings at night.
The CoZee is available in oak and charcoal and is a beautiful addition to the bedroom. It looks more designer than other cribs we've tried and are typically utilitarian. It's also relatively lightweight at just 11kg and comes with a carrying case which allows you to take it on vacation or if moving house. It's all you need to buy is a waterproof sheet and a safety strap for sleeping together. There are helpful step-by-step instructions and photos to assist you in putting it together when you first open the box which makes it a single-person job should you need to.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora
The Iora is a bedside bassinet that helps parents feel closer to their infant as they sleep. It adjusts up and down and can be moved 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 see your baby easily. And you can store additional pajamas and other items in the large storage basket underneath.
As opposed to other bedside cribs, the Iora folds flat and comes with a carry-on bag which allows it to be carried anywhere. It was easy to move around from room to space, and our mom testers thought 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 option for parents who are looking to co-sleep, but do not want to share their beds or whose partners may be suffering from mobility issues, such as back problems or arthritis. Our mom testers are thrilled with the fact that they can easily access their child in the Iora, and that it has an adjustable reflux incline that can help alleviate gas.
Our moms also love the fact that the mattress is in line 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 sturdy and comfortable for the baby, and sheets are easily available. It isn't as light as the other smaller bedside cribs however and if you're looking for something lighter and more portable, consider one of the other options on our list.