Bedside Cots
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or side sleeper is a bed that can be attached to the parent's bed and lets baby sleep close by. They're a safe form of co-sleeping, and are ideal for mothers recovering from c-sections.
MFM tester Georgina discovered the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib to be extremely simple and quick to assemble (one of the fastest during testing). It's height-adjustable and tiltable into an inclined position for reflux babies and is a good travel cot option.
They're safe
Bedside cots or co-sleepers, as they are also called special infant sleep solutions that let babies sleep close to their parents without the threat of SIDS. They resemble Moses baskets, but are connected to the parent's bed. One side is open, allowing parents can easily reach their infant who is sleeping. They are perfect for families who wish to co-sleep but are worried about the potential risks of bed sharing.
Many people worry about the safety and efficacy of the bassinet or bedside sleeper. However, CHOICE found that these products, when used properly are safe and can cause fewer injuries and accidents. They are also an ideal option for new parents experiencing exhaustion which is often associated with night feeds and early morning diaper changes. You can keep an eye on the baby and soothe them when needed.
If you're in search of a secure bedside cot, choose one that has a sturdy, breathable mattress. A mattress that is breathable will aid in regulating your baby's body temperature and help prevent overheating. Also, you should purchase a fitted sheet that is sized to fit your mattress, as well as a nappy changing kit with waterproof covers and a mat that can be cleaned. You can find all these items online and in stores that specialize in baby products. It's important to remember that you should never make use of secondhand items or hand-me-downs because they could be recalled or damaged and may not meet standard safety requirements.
A high-quality bedside crib will be easy to set up and will be dismantled for storage. Some models can be adjusted to incline positions, which make it easier for babies to sleep in a raised position, or for parents who suffer from reflux. Some models come with a travel bag, so you can easily pack them up and take them on your trip.
It's easy to clean
The appropriate products make it simple to clean bedside cots. Remove any bedding such as blankets, sheets or toys that are cuddly and wash them in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer. Then, vacuum the cot and its mattress, paying special attention to corners and crevices. Mattress protectors can help to reduce the accumulation of dust mites, bacteria and other germs.
Next take bedside sleeper cot moistened with a baby-safe cleaner spray or a natural stain remover spray to clean the cot. Regularly dampen a new cloth to wash soapy residues and keep the surfaces clean. Use a soft scrub brush to remove staining from the mattress. Baking soda can be used to eliminate the lingering smells. Test the cleaning product on a small area of the mattress before using it.
It is easier to clean and sanitize the cot if it has been disassembled. You can also make a solution using warm water and mild baby-safe detergent to wash the mattress and its protector.
If your cot is made of wood, you can clean it with a mixture of warm vinegar and water. This natural disinfectant will kill bacteria without leaving harmful residues or causing damage to the wood. Test a small portion of wood to ensure it isn't damaged. Apply the solution using a soft cloth and let it to dry before putting it back together.
They're easy to move
A bedside crib can also be called a bedside bassinet or co-sleeper. It allows your baby to sleep right next to your bed. These cribs are compact, portable and easy to move around. They're also a great choice for those with limited space at home or if you're planning to travel with your child.
Bedside cribs, in contrast to regular cribs, are designed to be attached to the sides of your mattress, so that you can easily raise and lower your baby to feed them at night or for soothing. These cribs are constructed with a drop-down or movable side for easy lifting. They also come with adjustable heights and tilts. Some cribs can be converted into full cot-beds as your child grows. This will give you more durability and value.
Our mom testers are enthralled by the portability and light weight of these sleeping solutions, making them perfect for travel. One mom says, "It is small and compact so it can be easily transported throughout the house and fit in a bag." "My husband can carry it up and down the stairs with ease."
The Shnuggle Air next to the crib is another option for light weight that was shortlisted for 2021's Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket category at the Mother&Baby awards. Another mom, Gulhan Arapoglu, agrees it's easy to transport and believes it's durable too. She adds that it is a little bigger than some bedside cradles and is not recommended for infants that might roll or flip.
They're comfortable
The best bedside cribs let newborns sleep close to parents, but have their own sleeping space. They're typically more compact than a Moses Basket or standard crib and can be folded away and stored when not being used. They're also a lot easier to reach for nighttime feedings, changing nappies and soothing. This makes them perfect for mothers who are recovering from a csection because they won't have to bend as much to look after their infant in the middle of the night.
bedside crib travel cot is also a good choice for parents who are concerned about the risks that come with co-sleeping. This is due to the fact that the crib is closer to the bed of the parent and is less prone to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than sleeping in a standard cot or bassinet. This kind of secure, co-sleeping, also known as "rooming in" is important for the development of a baby.
You can also buy various bedsides. Some have an inflatable bed that you can bring with you on your travels and others can be transformed into a baby cot or toddler's bed. Some even have incline positions which are great for babies with reflux. Depending on your needs and budget, you can also purchase a crib for your bed that fastens to the bed of the parent or comes with locking wheels to ensure it won't be accidentally moved while the baby sleeps.
If you're considering the bedside sleeper, it's worth choosing one with a strong and breathable baby mattress to ensure your child's safety. We recommend a foam mattress with a soft, sturdy cover. This will keep your baby warm and comfortable during their sleep.
Some bedsides are also easy to slide and collapse and slide, which is ideal for those morning feedings when you're exhausted. The Joie Roomie Glide, shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib category, is an excellent example of a bedside cot which is easy to lower. It's also small enough to fit into its bag for travel which is an added benefit for parents traveling.