The Best Bedside Cot For Newborns
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the mattress's side. This makes it easy to reach your baby at night for a relaxed feeding. They're suitable from birth to about six months.
Official safe sleeping guidance from both the NHS and The Lullaby Trust recommends newborns sleep in a separate cot from parents' beds in order to reduce the risk of SIDS. The best cribs for bedside use make it possible.
1. Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper and Clear-Vue
Arm's Reach was founded by two fathers and mothers in the days before co-sleeping was a common practice. They developed a concept that allowed parents to sleep in a safe environment with their infants. It was the first-ever bedside cot that allowed babies to sleep near without getting suffocated or falling onto the mattress or onto the parent's side of the bed. The Clear-Vue is still in widespread use today, with over 25 years of history and no reported injuries or deaths.
It is equipped with leg extensions to allow for different mattress heights. It also comes with a sheet and fitted cover. The bassinet can be used for babies up to five months old or until they are getting up on their knees. The Co-Sleeper is available as a bassinet which can be used as a stand-alone unit or attached to the mattress of the parent using the strap and plate included. It's easy to switch between the two modes by the pull of a string, however, you must be aware that it doesn't meet the federal standards for a bed that is attached, meaning your baby shouldn't be left unattended in this type of arrangement.
McKenna was impressed by the Co-Sleeper's ease of use, noting that it's easy to get the baby in and out of the bassinet for meals in the middle of the night or other needs away from your bed. He also praised its safety, stating that the Co-Sleeper meets all standards for bassinets and cribs and has been available for decades, with "probably 1.5 million units sold" and no reports of infants dying or being injured.
The Clear-Vue bedside crib was the most accessible of all the cots we tried. The swiveling sleep area and the adjustable height of the Clear-Vue helped you to reach your baby and comfort them. The Clear-Vue does not have lower sidewalls, which require you to crouch or reach down to grab your baby.
The Clear-Vue was the only one in our top five that didn't attach to the parent's bed. However, it was a close second and far superior to some of the other models we tested, which were designed to be affixed to parent beds. It is sturdy and solid with plenty of storage space.
2. HALO Bassinest
The HALO Swivel Bassinest Sleeper is the only bedside cot that can rotate 360 degrees to bring baby closer and making it easier for parents to access and exit. It also has a lowering wall that lets moms take care of their babies without getting out of bed--a major benefit for nursing moms who require help with their newborns who are feeding in clusters during the early months and weeks following delivery.
The Bassinest comes with mesh side walls that allow plenty of airflow. The swivel feature is great for parents who want to watch their child throughout the night. The ability to watch the baby and keep them in close proximity can make a huge difference in the grumpy delirium that is a result of becoming a parent.
The Bassinest scored well in the Convenience Assessment, which rates features to make it easy-to-use and clean. This is essential for those who have to face spit-ups and diaper blowouts in the first few weeks of life. The Bassinest can be easily cleaned with water and is lightweight. The mattress pad is also washable. bedside crib and cot has a side pouch for diapers and nipple lotion, which you will need during the sleepless beginnings of motherhood.
There are several versions of the Bassinest which include a less expensive standard Essentia version that doesn't have any extra features, and the more luxurious LUXE PLUS series that comes with white noise and vibration to help babies fall and remain asleep. Both models come with a fitted sheet, mattress pad, and a storage bag that's larger than the other Bassinest models.
The LUXE Plus series comes with a lowering-wall lock, a stable and sturdy base that can be adjusted for most beds that are between 22" and 34" and the floor lamp lets you see your baby during the day, and a movable storage bag that can be used to store extra bedding or supplies. It's not ideal for travel due to the weight and size, however the swivel function is ideal to keep baby close while you're at home.
3. Joie Roomie Glide
Designed to make parent-baby bonding an ideal experience this co-sleeper from English brand Joie is more than a crib for the bed. With a single-hand glide and sliding side panels, it helps you sleep safely next to your baby without sharing your bed. You can feed, soothe or hug your baby right from the comfort of your own slumber and take in every moment of the baby stage.
Joie Roomie Glide is an easy to use and simple to clean cot that is a great option for parents who are seeking a safe method to co-sleep with their newborn. Its cocoon-shaped rounded design and soft side panels that are padded and a double mesh windows allow you to monitor your baby's sleeping from your sofa or bed. The sliding side panel lifts and lowers with one hand, making it much easier to answer those late night wakeup calls. The gliding motion will also gently soothe your child to peace so that you can have an uninterrupted night of rest.
The crib has a washable mattress that can be removed for easy cleaning, and an aluminum lightweight and sturdy frame for ease of movement. It has four locking wheels to hold it in place and is covered with a rubbery material to protect the floor.
One of the best features that is unique to the Roomie Glide is its adjustable height. You can adjust the legs to match the height of your own bed or sofa, so it's in perfect alignment with your newborn's mattress. This is particularly useful if you're breastfeeding as it lets you feed your baby close without leaving your bed. The height also helps minimise the risk of your baby falling out of the crib.
Another great feature is the built-in rocking feature which is ideal for babies. Two buttons on the side of the crib activate an easy rocking motion that is soothing and comforting for your baby. You can select either a slow or active tempo. The gliding feature can be turned off once your baby is fast asleep.
The only downside of the Roomie Glide cot is that it is only suitable for infants. You'll need to upgrade your baby's cot to a full size cot when he or she is six months old (normally around the time they move into their own room). Roanna found it to be an excellent crib and would recommend it.
4. Bjorn Cradle
The Bjorn Cradle is a great choice for parents seeking a stylish bedside cot that is simple and easy to use. Its simple design is beautiful in any space and is easy to use and set up. Its low-height makes it an ideal choice for parents who wish to keep an eye on their child while they sleep. This bassinet earned an above-average score in our Eco-Health category due to the fact that it doesn't contain any fire retardant chemicals, has a low amount of toxic materials, and is endorsed by Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class I for baby products.
The BabyBjorn Cradle is a cozy, compact cradle that soothes babies by gentle rocking motions. The cradle is able to gently rock the baby, or parents can rock the baby manually it manually. The transparent mesh sides of the cradle encourage air circulation, allowing parents to keep an eye on their child while they sleep.
In addition to its compact size, the cradle's lightweight weight makes it easy to move from room room. It is easy to clean and is able to be washed using the mattress pad. It is crucial to keep in mind that the cradle shouldn't be used with any additional padding or comforter.
To reduce the risk of SIDS, it's important to have secure sleeping habits in all sleeping areas. This includes putting your baby on their back for each nap, and also when they sleep in the cradle. It is also recommended to stop using the cradle if your baby starts pushing up on their hands or knees or reaches 8kg/18lbs.
The BabyBjorn cradle, like all of our other bassinets and cribs, is made from child-friendly materials. The materials are tested to ensure they meet the latest safety standards. In fact, the manufacturer tests all their products to ensure that they don't contain any harmful chemicals or toxins that could harm your baby. The cradle is made of cotton and polyester, and is free from allergens that can irritate your baby's sensitive skin. The fabric is hypoallergenic, and aids in air circulation.