The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed which allows your infants to sleep close. This is a great option to allow your baby to be close for fuss-free feedings during the early stages.
The HALO bassiNest Essentia was the winner of our top bedside cots test. It comes with an adjustable sleep surface and sidewalls which can be lowered easily. This allows you to reach out and feel comfortable.
Safety
A bedside crib is a great solution for new parents that want to keep their child close but without compromising their security. This type of cot fixes to the side of your bed and has a curved end that can be lifted or lowered down so that you can reach your baby. It can be used as a night feeding station or to help soothe your baby to sleep. It's also a great option for mums who have had a C-section. Bedside cots are available in a variety of designs and sizes, and some even include storage. If you're shopping for a bedside cot, ensure you look over the safety features to make sure it is safe for your baby.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot has a stylish design and is easy to assemble. Its oval design is perfect for babies who tend to play around in their sleep, as it means that they won't be stuck in the corner like they might with a rectangular cot. This cot can also be easily inserted into standard door frames. This is a fantastic option for parents who are limited in space.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is another good alternative. This cot is an excellent all-rounder with plenty of features that make parenting easier and a gorgeous look. Its adjustable sides mean that it can adapt to your child, and then transform into a toddler bed when they're ready. bedside cot for twins 's also lightweight, which means it is easy to move around.
A high mesh crib side is a nice feature to have at the bedside of a crib. This will stop your child from falling. It should be securely anchored to your bed, with no gaps or loose parts. If you're unsure about fitting a bedside cot yourself you can ask a professional to do it for you.
Co-sleeping is not recommended until your baby is at least six months of age. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that you don't let your infant sleep in your bed. This is because of the danger of suffocation and overheating. If you must co-sleep with your child, a crib at the bedside is the best option.
Size
A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as the bassinet, is a cot that attaches to the sides of your mattress. It comes with a side that can be lifted or lowered down to let you reach your baby quickly, without the need to get out of bed. Celeb mums like Stacey Solomon Binky Felstead, and Lucy Mecklenburgh love these. They are great for those with limited mobility following a C-section.
Our top pick, the Maxi-Cosi Lora, has an opening that lets you see your baby from the bottom of the bed. It also adjusts to the height of your mattress - though some mothers complained that it was difficult to move it up and down. It's also among the most lightweight options on our list and folds down to a suitcase-sized package which makes it ideal for travelling with your child.
The Slumber 3-in-1 is another great option. It can be used as a travel cot or bassinet, and it also doubles as playpen. This product was awarded the gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards within the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It comes with a storage shelf and is easy to move into and out of a car. Some mothers were concerned that it was too long and wide to fit into tight spaces, particularly when used as a sleeper by the bed.
Design
The best bedside cribs are stylish, sleek, and modern. Some cribs have innovative designs, like an open-air flap on the sides that allow you to check on your baby without disturbing him. Other features like adjustable height are beneficial if your partner is having difficulty getting up. Some sleepers can also be used as an cot, bassinet or for reflux babies. If you're seeking something more traditional there are a lot of options as well.
Some of our favorites are the CoZee Air from Tutti Bambini which was awarded bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Award Best Cot Crib, Moses or Basket category, and the Next2me Magic was shortlisted in that same category. Both have adjustable height, and can be transformed into a travel cot to use outside of the home. They are also lightweight and easy for you to move around.
Other mothers like the Lua Bedside Sleeper that has a changing mat as well as a storage space as in addition to an adjustable bassinet that folds into a mini portable cot and a storage bag. Jasmine says it's the ideal size for babies and is more substantial than Moses baskets, which are often flimsy or thin.
The iCandy Cocoon is another great alternative. It can be used as a Moses Basket or a cot for travel. It comes with a pop-up changing table as well as a shelf to store toys and books, as well as an adjustable mesh side that lets you view your baby. It's not lightweight however it's easy to move around and looks great in any bedroom.
Cost
Cost is a major aspect when searching for a crib bassinet or bedside sleeper. Many of the most well-known models are costly however there are plenty of lower-cost alternatives that won't break the bank. Many come in a variety of colors and styles to match the decor of your nursery.
The best cribs for beds can be adjusted and elevated to the level of your mattress. Some also have an incline position that is great for babies who have reflux. They can also be folded away when not in use, and some models even have an included travel bag that is perfect for new mothers who often go out or have guests staying over.
Bedside cots are usually slightly larger than Moses baskets, but are smaller than cribs. They can be moved from room to room in case you have to, and some have a side that drops down so that you can pull your child towards you for night feeds or calming. Some models also come with an integrated rocker so that you can soothe your baby to sleep.
The Clair de Lune is a mid-priced model that was nominated in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It's sleek and stylish however it is a little larger than other models. It's not ideal for small spaces. It is also a bit heavy, weighing over 10kg, and requires some maneuvering to put it in place it. Emily from Clair de Lune also notes that it's not as simple to get into and out of as other bedside sleepers, because the sides aren't flexible enough and you have to bend to scoop your baby up.