Bedside Cots
A bedside crib, also referred to as a side sleeper or bassinet it is attached to the bed of the parent and lets baby sleep close by. They're a safe method of co-sleeping and are great for mums recovering from c-sections.
MFM tester Georgina discovered the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib extremely quick and simple to put together (one of the quickest during testing). It's height-adjustable, can tilt into an inclined position for babies with reflux and is a good option for a travel cot.
You're safe
Bedside cots, or co-sleepers as they are also known special infant sleep solutions that allow babies to sleep near their parents without the risk of SIDS. They're similar to Moses baskets or a standard baby cot however, they attach to the the parent's bed and feature one side that is open, allowing parents to easily access their sleeping newborn. These are ideal for families who want to co-sleep but are worried about the potential risks of bed sharing.
Many people are worried about the safety of a bassinet or bedside sleeper, but CHOICE has found that when used properly they are safe and have a low risk of injuries and accidents. They are also an ideal choice for new parents struggling with the exhaustion that can result from nighttime feedings and early morning nappy changes. Bedside cribs let you keep an eye on your baby and, if they wake up during the night or require your assistance to help them you'll be able to soothe them or change their nappy quickly.
If you are looking for an cot for your bed that is secure, select one with a mattress that is strong and ventilated. A mattress that is breathable will help regulate your baby's body temperature and help prevent overheating. A fitted sheet that is sized to fit your mattress is also a good idea and so is an nappy-changing kit that has a waterproof cover. All these items can be found on the internet or in stores that specialize in baby items. It is not recommended to use second-hand or hand-me-down products. They may have been recalled, damaged or do not meet safety standards.
A good quality bedside crib will be easy to set up and will be removed for storage. Some models can be adjusted to incline positions, which make it easier for infants to sleep in a raised position or for parents suffering from reflux. Some models come with a travel bag, so you can easily pack them and take them with you on your journey.
They're easy to clean
Bedside cots are simple to clean, especially with the right cleaning products. Start by removing bedding, such as sheets, blankets or cuddly toys, and then washing them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Clean the cot thoroughly, including its mattress. Pay special attention to the corners and crevices. A mattress protector can also aid in reducing the accumulation of dust mites, bacteria, and other germs.
Then, clean the cot using an abrasive cloth soaked with baby-safe cleaner or a natural stain-removing spray. Always dampen a new cloth to remove soapy residues and keep the surface clean. Use a soft scrub brush to get rid of stains from the mattress. Baking soda can be used to remove lingering smells. Always test a small section of the mattress first to ensure that the cleaning product is safe for your child.
If the cot is disassembled, it will be more accessible to all its surfaces, the nooks and crannies to ensure thorough cleaning and sanitizing. You can also use a solution of warm water and mild baby-safe detergent to clean the mattress and its protector.
If the cot is made from wood, it is possible to clean it using a mixture of white vinegar and warm water. This natural disinfectant can kill bacteria without leaving harmful residues or causing damage to the wood. Take a small sample of wood to ensure it isn't damaged. Apply the solution using a soft, clean cloth and let it dry prior to reassembling.
They are easy to move
A bedside crib can also be called a bedside bassinet or co-sleeper. It lets your baby to sleep right beside your bed. These cribs are portable, compact and easy to move around. They are also ideal if your home is small or you plan on traveling with your child.
Bedside cribs, unlike standard cribs, are designed to attach on the sides of your mattress so that you can easily lift and lower your newborn for night feedings or soothing. These cribs are constructed with a removable or drop-down side for easy lifting. They also come with adjustable heights and tilts. Some cribs can be transformed into full cot-beds as your child grows. This will give you more durability and value.
These sleeping solutions are perfect to travel with because they're lightweight and transportable. "It's very compact and small and can easily be tucked away in a bag for travel and be moved throughout the house with ease," says one mum. "My husband can carry it up and downstairs with ease."
The Shnuggle Air beside Crib is a lighter option that has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib category. Another mom, Gulhan Arapoglu, agrees it's easy to transport and believes it's durable too. She adds that it's a bit larger than some bedside cradles and not recommended for babies who could flip or roll.
You'll be at ease
The best cribs for beds let babies sleep next to parents but in a separate sleeping space. They're typically more compact than a Moses basket or traditional cots, and they can be folded and put away when not being used. They're also much more accessible when it comes to night feeding, changing nappy and comforting. This makes them perfect for new mothers who are recovering from a C-section as they won't have to bend as low to care for their infant during the middle of the night.
The crib is also a great option for parents who are worried about the risks that come with co-sleeping. This is because the crib is situated closer to the parent's bed and has a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than sleeping in a regular bassinet or cot. This type of safe co-sleeping is called rooming in and is a crucial element of a baby's early development.
You can also purchase various bedsides. bedside cot newborn come with a portable bed that you can carry along on your travels or even be converted into a baby cot or a toddler's bed. Some even come with incline positions which are great for babies who have reflux. There are also crib that is attached to the parent’s bed, or comes with locking wheels. This will prevent the crib from being moved accidentally when the baby is sleeping.
If you're interested in the bedside sleeper, it's worth choosing one with a strong and breathable mattress to ensure your little one's safety. We recommend choosing a foam mattress that's covered with a soft and durable cover. This will ensure that your baby will be comfortable and warm when they sleep.
There are also bedsides that are easy to collapse and slide down which is a wonderful feature for those bleary-eyed 3am feeds. The Joie Roomie Glide, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket, is an example of a bedside cot that's super-easy to lower. It's also compact enough to fit in a bag for travel which is a plus for busy parents traveling.