If you're looking to keep your baby as close as you can at night, without having to get out of the bed, a crib that is placed beside your bed is the ideal solution. The breathable fabric allows you to see your baby clearly and they are easy to lower when you need to feed your baby at 3am.
Some double as a moses's basket.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside sleeper cot crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a baby cot attached to your adult bed. This allows your newborn to sleep right next to you in peace. It's a method of co-sleeping that is safe and doesn't increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) similar to bedsharing and can help you bond with your new arrival.
The cots usually come with a side that can be raised, so you can easily reach your infant at night to feed and comforting. This is particularly helpful for mothers recovering from the c-section. Many of them are portable or foldable making them suitable for trips and as an interim solution for infants that aren't yet ready to move to a larger crib.
Look for a crib with a mattress that is breathable, as well as a protective cover that will protect your baby from staining. You might also want to buy baby-safe accessories such as an infant blanket or a teether.
If you're looking for a longer-term alternative, some cribs are equipped with conversion kits that let you turn them into a cot or a toddler bed when the time comes. This is a great way to extend their lifespan and making the transition smoother. Some have a removable section at the top that can be transformed into the bassinet. Others can be used in conjunction with a standard adult bed or a high-rise model. This is a great option for families that are planning to frequently travel or switch between bedrooms in the evening. You should also think about the size of your room to ensure that you can fit the crib in comfortably. Many cribs have a riser which can be used to create an incline to accommodate babies with reflux.
The Joie Roomie Glide
They are known for their high-end baby products English brand Joie has stepped into the world of bedside sleeper cot cribs with the Roomie Glide. It is designed to aid parents in bonding with their babies whilst sleeping together, without sharing a bed. This co-sleeper is packed with features that make bonding between parents and babies safe, easy and fun.
One of the key features is a smooth rocking motion that can be activated with the push of the button. This gentle rhythm will help soothe your baby into sleep without disturbing their natural sleeping patterns. This is ideal for older babies or toddlers who have difficulty settling down. It can also help with digestive issues like colic and reflux.
The crib can be locked in it once the rocking is done to stop it moving. It can also be secured on the side of your bed by clips and straps. This makes the crib very stable and secure and allows you to sleep comfortably without fearing that your baby will roll off into the middle. The rounded cocoon shape has softly padded sides and two mesh windows on both sides to allow plenty of airflow while making sure your baby is safe.
The mattress included is comfortable and firm, and has an easy-to-clean cover. The crib is easy to assemble and disassemble with a lightweight aluminium frame that makes it very portable. The four lockable wheels are covered in rubber to ensure the crib doesn't leave marks on your floor and are easy to move around. It is easy to clean with cloths that wipe clean and is simple to tote in a bag for travel, making it ideal for long-term absences from home.
The TuttiBambini CoZee Air
Designed to be a safe next-to-me crib from birth to six months, this superior model features rocking bars and castors that allow for easy mobility. The deluxe airflow mattresses provide a comfortable sleeping surface, and ventilation panels help keep your baby cool. There are also 6 different height settings as well as an incline option to aid in reducing reflux and congestion.
Unlike some bedside cribs that can be a nightmare to clean due to their endless stream of dribble and snot and snot, the Tutti Bambini CoZeeAir has a wipe-clean liner and fabric that can be removed to wash in the machine. It also comes with a top bar that can be easily adjusted to accommodate feedings at night without having to mess with zips.
Anna discovered that the CoZee was a comfortable and safe place to sleep for her baby. She was delighted that it didn't sway like other models, so it didn't wake her in the night when she was trying to soothe her baby for feeds. She also appreciated that the side of the chair was lowered so that she didn't have to reach over her partner in order to carry the child out for nighttime feedings.
The CoZee is available in charcoal and oak and is a chic addition to the bedroom. It looks more like a designer piece than some of the other cribs that we've tested, which can appear rather utilitarian. It's also quite light at just 11kg. It also comes with a carry-on case so you can bring it with you on vacation or when moving house. It's all you need to buy is an waterproof sheet and a safety strap for sleeping together. There are helpful step-by-step instructions and pictures to help you put it together as you open the box which makes it a one-person job should you need to.
The Maxi-Cosi lora
The Iora is a bedside bassinet that allows parents to feel more connected to their child while they sleep. It can be adjusted both up and down and shifted through three different slide positions, to fit under the bed of the parent or in the corner so the baby is always at hand. The mesh siding is breathable, allowing air to flow through and lets you glance at your child. You can also store extra pajamas and supplies in the large storage basket beneath.
The Iora is a smaller bedside cot co sleeper cot that folds flat. It also comes with a travel bag to allow it to be carried anywhere. It was easy to move from room to room, and our mom testers thought it was the right size for a bedside travel cot crib. They also appreciated the large storage basket perfect for storing spare bedding or nappies.
This is a great choice for parents who want to sleep together, but don't wish to share their bed. Or if one of the parents has mobility issues like arthritis or back pain. Our mum testers love the ease with which they can access their baby in the Iora and it also has an optional reflux incline to help with gas.
Our mothers appreciate the fact that it meets NICE guidelines, which are to place the baby in a crib or Moses basket on its own (with no blankets, toys pillows, etc.). They also claim that the mattress is firm and comfortable for the baby and easy to find sheets for. It's not as light as other smaller cribs on our list, so if prefer something lighter and easier for you to move, choose another option.
Some double as a moses's basket.
The TuttiBambini CoZee Air
