The Best Bedside Cot For Newborns
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side which makes it easy to reach your baby to feed them without fuss. They are suitable from birth until approximately six months.
Official safe sleeping guidance from both the NHS and The Lullaby Trust recommends newborns sleep in a separate crib from parents' beds to lower the risk of SIDS. The best bedside cots allow this.
1. Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper
Co-sleeping was a new idea, a father and son team formed Arm's Reach and came up with a design that would allow parents to be able to sleep comfortably with their infants. It was the first cot for bedside that allowed babies to sleep together without falling off or getting trapped in the mattress. The Clear-Vue is still in widespread use today, with over 25 years of history and no reported deaths or injuries.
It comes with leg extensions built-in to adjust for different mattress sizes and comes with a sheet and fitted cover. The bassinet can be used for babies up to five months old, or until they begin getting up on their knees. The Co-Sleeper is available as a bassinet that can be used on its own or affixed to the mattress of the parent using the strap and plate that come with it. It's easy to transfer between the two modes with the pull of a string but be aware that it doesn't meet the federal standards for a bed that is attached which means your child should never be left alone in this sleeping arrangement.
McKenna was also impressed with the Co-Sleeper's ease of use. She noted that it is easy to lift your baby into and out of the bassinet from the cozy bed for feedings during the night or for other requirements. He also praised its security, stating that the Co-Sleeper is in compliance with all crib and bassinet standards and is available for decades, with "probably 1.5 million units sold" and no reports of infants dying or being injured.
The Clear-Vue bedside cot was the most accessible of all the cots we evaluated. Its swiveling sleep area and height adjustment made it easier to reach into and soothe your baby. The Clear-Vue does not have lower sidewalls, which require you to kneel or reach down to retrieve your baby.
The Clear-Vue is the only one of our top picks that doesn't connect to a bed for a parent, but it came in a close second and far better than other beds we tried that were designed to be connected to a parental bed. It's sturdy and solid with plenty of storage space.
2. HALO Bassinest
The HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper is the only bedside cot that is able to rotate 360 degrees to bring baby close and makes it easier for parents to get out and in to the bed. It also has a lowering wall that lets moms take care of their babies without getting out of bed--a huge benefit for nursing mothers who need help tending to their infants in cluster feeding in the early months and weeks after the birth.
The Bassinest has mesh side walls that allow for plenty of airflow. Additionally, the Swivel feature is perfect for parents who need to watch their baby throughout the night. The ability to watch the baby and keep them in close proximity can be a major benefit during the tired delirium that is a result of becoming a parent.
This model earned high marks in the Convenience assessment, which rates features that make it easy to clean and use. It is essential for anyone who is dealing with spit-ups and diaper blowouts that are all too frequent in the early months of life. The Bassinest is lightweight and can be easily wiped down with water, and the mattress pad can be washed too. It comes with a side bag to store diapers and nipple lotion which you'll require during the sleepless beginnings of motherhood.
There are many versions of the Bassinest, including a cheaper standard Essentia version that doesn't have any extra features, and a more extravagant LUXE PLUS series that includes white noise and vibrating to help babies fall asleep and stay asleep. Both models include a fitted sheet, mattress pad, and a storage bag that's larger than those on other Bassinest models.
The LUXE Plus series includes the ability to lower-wall lock, a stable and sturdy base that adjusts to most beds that are between 22" and 34", an adjustable floor lamp that lets you see your baby throughout the day, and a movable storage bag that can hold any extra bedding or items. It's not suitable for travel due to its size and weight, but the swivel function is great to keep your baby close when you're at home.
3. Joie Roomie Glide
This co-sleeper from English brand Joie was created to create parent-baby bonds a dream. It's more than just a crib. It allows you to snuggle with your child without sharing the bed. Feed, soothe or snuggle your baby right in the cozy slumber of your own and enjoy every waking moment of the newborn stage.
The Joie Roomie Glide Cot is simple to clean and use. It's ideal for parents who want to co-sleep safely with their newborn. Its cocoon-like rounded shape with softly padded sides and double mesh windows allow you to monitor your sleeping baby from your own couch or bed. The side panel that slides can be lowered and raised with one hand. This makes it easier to answer those late-night wakeup call. The motion of gliding will gently soothe your child into a peaceful sleep to ensure you get the rest of your night.
The crib is fitted with an adjustable, washable mattress. It's also light and sturdy. It has four locking wheels to keep it in place, and is covered with rubbery fabric 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 fit the height of your bed or sofa, so it is in perfect alignment with your newborn's mattress. This is especially useful if you are breastfeeding, as you can feed your baby without having to leave your bed. The height can also reduce the chance of your baby falling out of the crib.
Another great feature is the built-in rocking feature that is perfect for babies. Two buttons on the side of the crib will trigger a gentle rocking motion that is soothing and comforting for your baby. You can select an easy or a active tempo. The glide function can be locked when your baby is asleep.
The only drawback to the Roomie Glide cot is that it is only suitable for infants. It is recommended to upgrade your baby to a full size cot when he or she is six months old (normally around the time they move into their new room). Roanna thought it was a fantastic cotbed though and would definitely recommend it.
4. bedside cot bed is an excellent option for parents who are looking for a simple, stylish bedside cot. It's minimalist in design that looks nice in any space, and it's easy to set up and use. Its low height is also a great feature for parents who have to keep an eye on their child during sleep. This bassinet was rated above the average in our Eco-Health category since it is free of flame retardant chemicals and has the lowest amount of toxic materials. It is also certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class I for baby items.
The BabyBjorn cradle is a compact, cozy cradle which soothes babies by gently rocking them. The cradle can gently rock the baby or parents can rock the baby manually it manually. The cradle's mesh sides allow for air circulation, allowing parents to monitor their newborn while sleeping.
In addition to its compact size The cradle's lightweight weight makes it easy to move from room to room. It is easy to clean and can be washed in the machine with the mattress pad. It is important to remember that the cradle should never be used with any extra cushion, mattress, pillow, comforter, or bedding, as this can pose a suffocation risk for infants.
To reduce the risk of SIDS, it is crucial to practice secure sleeping habits throughout all sleeping areas. It is crucial to put your baby on its back at every nap, and also in the cradle. It is also recommended to stop using the cradle when your baby begins pushing up on their knees or hands, or reaches 8kg/18 lb.
As with the other bassinets and cribs, the BabyBjorn cradle is constructed with safe materials for children that are tested to meet the latest safety standards. The manufacturer tests their products to make sure they do not contain harmful chemicals or toxins which could harm your child. The cradle is constructed of cotton and polyester and is free of allergens that could cause irritation to your baby's sensitive skin. The fabric is hypoallergenic, and aids in air circulation.