The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet type crib that is attached directly to your bed. This allows your baby to rest comfortably close to you. This is a great choice if you want your infant to be close for feedings that aren't a hassle during the first few months of.
The HALO BassiNest Essentia took home our top bedside cot test, offering an adjustable sleeping surface that can be swiveled and sidewalls that slide down easily. This makes it easy to reach to relax and get to sleep.
baby bedside sleeper is the ideal solution for new parents who want to keep their baby close without sacrificing security. The cot is attached to the side of your mattress. It also is movable so that you can reach out to your baby. It can also be used as a night time feeding station or to soothe your baby back to sleep. It's also a great option for mums who have had C-sections. Bedside cots can be found in a variety of designs and sizes, and some even come with storage. If you're shopping for a bedside cot, be sure to check the safety features to be sure it's safe for your child.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot has an attractive design and is easy to put together. Its oval design is perfect for infants who roll around in their sleep, since it means that they won't be trapped in a corner like they would with a rectangular crib. The cot is also easy to slide through door frames that are standard, which is a big benefit for parents with limited space.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is a good alternative. The cot comes with a variety of features that make parenting easier, and it looks great. Its adjustable sides mean that it will grow with your child and transform into an infant bed when they're ready. It's also light, so it's easy to move around the house.
A high-quality bedside crib should have a high mesh side to stop your child from falling out. It should be securely anchored to your bed, with no gaps or parts that are loose. Contact a professional if are not confident in installing a crib for your bed yourself.
Ideally, you should avoid co-sleeping with your baby until they're at least six months old. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, advise that you should not let your newborn sleep in your bed. This is due to the danger of overheating and suffocation. If you have to sleep with your child, a crib by the bedside is the best alternative.
Size
A bedside cot, also known as a bassinet, is a cot that is attached to the side of your mattress. It has a side that can be lowered or raised so that you can reach your baby without having to leave the bed. Famous moms like Stacey Solomon Binky Felstead, and Lucy Mecklenburgh adore these. They are ideal for those who have limited mobility after 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 and it adjusts to the height of your mattress - though some mothers claimed it was difficult to move up and down. It's also one of the most lightweight options on our list and folds down into a suitcase-sized package which makes it ideal to travel with your baby.
Another great option is the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which can be used as a bassinet, travel cot and playpen. It even won our 2021 Mother&Baby Award gold award in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It has an adjustable shelf for storage and is easy to move into and out of a car. Some mothers have thought it was a bit too long and wide for tight spaces, particularly when used as a bedside mattress.
Design
The best cribs for your bed will be modern, sleek and stylish. Some cribs come with innovative designs, like a peek-aboo flap on the sides that allow you to check on your baby without disturbing him. Other features such as adjustable heights are helpful when your spouse is having difficulties getting out of bed. These sleepers can be used as a cot or bassinet, and some have an incline position for babies who are reflux. There are also plenty of options if you're looking for something more traditional.
The CoZee Air by Tutti Bambini was awarded bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the best Cot or Moses Basket category. Next2me Magic was also shortlisted. Both come with adjustable heights, and can be turned into a travel cot for use outside of the home. They're also light and easy to move from room room.
Some mums prefer the Lua Bedside sleeper that includes a changing mat, storage area and a collapsible baby bassinet that can be transformed into a portable mini cot. It also comes with a storage bag. Jasmine says that it is the ideal size for babies and is bigger than Moses baskets that may feel flimsy or thin.
The iCandy Cocoon is another great option. It can be used as a Moses Basket, cot or travel cot. It has an adjustable changing table that pops up as well as a shelf to store books and toys, and an adjustable mesh side that lets you observe your baby. It's not very light but it's easy to move around and looks great in any bedroom.
Cost
Cost is an important factor when you are shopping for a crib, bassinet or bedside sleeper. Many of the most sought-after models are expensive but there are many cheaper alternatives that won't break the bank. Some even come in a range of different colors and designs to suit the decor of your nursery.
The most effective bedside cots come with adjustable sides that can be raised to match the height of your bed. Some models also have an incline position that is ideal for babies with reflux. They can also be folded away when not in use and some models have an included travel bag that is ideal for new mums who often go out or have guests staying over.
Bedside cots are generally a bit bigger than Moses baskets, but smaller than cribs. They can be moved from one place to another, while others have a side which can be lowered to allow you to lift your child towards you to feed them or comfort them. Some come with a built-in rocker that can help soothe your baby to sleep.
Clair de Lune, a mid-priced baby model, was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. It's stylish and sleek however it is a little larger than other options. It's probably not suitable for smaller spaces. It's also quite heavy at over 10kg, and requires a lot of maneuvering to get it into the right position. Emily from Clair de Lune notes that the sides of this mattress don't bend as much, which means you'll have to bend to take your baby.