The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed which allows your infants to sleep close. This is a great option if you'd like your baby to be close enough for a relaxed feedings during the first few months of his life.
The HALO BassiNest Essentia took home our best bedside cot test, featuring a swiveling sleeping surface and sidewalls that drop down without difficulty. This makes it easy to reach out for comfort and lull them back to sleep.
Safety
A bedside cot is a great solution for parents who want to keep their child close but not sacrifice safety. The cot is attached to the bed's side and has one end that can be lifted up or lowered down so that you can reach your little one. You can use a crib for your bed to feed your baby at night or to soothe them back to sleep. This is a great option especially for mothers who have had C-sections. Bedside cots come in a variety of sizes and designs, and some include storage. When you are looking for a bedside cot make sure you check the safety features.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot has elegant design and is easy to put together. Its oval design is perfect for babies who lay around during sleep, since it means that they won't be stuck in the corner as they might with an oblong crib. small bedside cot is also easy to slide through door frames that are standard which is a huge benefit for parents with limited space.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is another good alternative. It comes with a number of features that make parenting simpler and also looks beautiful. Its adjustable sides mean it will grow with your child and convert into a toddler bed when they're ready. It's also lightweight, which means it's easy to move around the home.
A high-quality bedside crib should have high mesh sides to stop your baby from falling out. It should be fitted securely to your bed with no gaps or loose areas. Ask a professional if you are not confident in fitting a bedside crib yourself.
Co-sleeping is not recommended until your baby is at least six months old age. The official advice from the Lullaby Trust and the NHS is that babies should not be sleeping in your bed due to the danger of suffocation or overheating. However, if you need to co-sleep in a crib, a bedside crib is the most secure option.
Size
A bedside cot is a bassinet-style cot which is attached to the side of your bed. It has a side which can be lifted or lowered to let you reach your baby quickly, without needing to leave the bed. They are a favorite of celeb mums such as Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and Lucy Mecklenburgh. They're ideal for parents who have limited mobility after the C-section.
Our top choice, the Maxi-Cosi Lora, has a peekaboo flap that lets you view your child from below the bed. It can also be adjusted to the mattress's height - although some mums complained that it was difficult to move up and down. It's also one of the lightest options we've seen and it folds down to the size of a suitcase which makes it ideal for traveling with your little one.
Another option is the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which converts into a bassinet, travel cot and playpen - it even was awarded our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards gold medal in the best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. It has a handy storage shelf underneath and is extremely light to lift into and out of the car. Some mothers have thought it was a bit too long and wide for tight spaces, particularly when used as a bedside sleeper.
Design
The best cribs for beds are stylish, sleek, and modern. Some have innovative designs including a peek-aboo flap on the side, to allow you to observe your baby without disturbing them. Other features, such as adjustable heights, are useful when your child has difficulty getting up or down from their bed. Some sleepers can also be used as a bassinet, cot or for reflux babies. There are also plenty of options if you want 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 are adjustable in height and can be used as a travel cot when away from home. They're also extremely light and easy to move from room room.
Some mums prefer the Lua Bedside sleeper that includes a changing mat, storage space and a collapsible baby bassinet which can be turned into an e-couch that can be carried around. It also comes with an organizer bag. Jasmine says it's the perfect size for newborns and is larger than Moses baskets, which can feel thin or flimsy.
The iCandy Cocoon is another great option. It can be used as a Moses Basket as a cot, cot, or travel cot. bedside travel cot comes with a pop-up changer, a handy shelf for books and toys and a mesh adjustable side that offers an excellent view of your baby. It's not light one, but it's simple to move and looks sleek in any bedroom.
Cost
If you're in the market for a bedside sleeper, crib or bassinet, price will be a factor. Some of the more popular models can be expensive. However, there are many cheaper alternatives. Some even come in a variety of styles and colors to match the decor of your nursery.
The most comfortable bedside cots have adjustable sides and can be raised to meet the bed's height. Some have an incline setting that is perfect for babies with reflux. Some models come with a carry-on bag and fold up when not in use. This is great for new mothers who are constantly traveling or having guests over.
Bedside cots tend to be slightly larger than Moses baskets, but smaller than cribs. They can also be moved from room to in case you have to, and some have a side that drops down so you can lift your baby out towards you for feedings at night or soothing. Some have a built in rocker to soothe your baby to sleep.
Clair de Lune, a mid-priced model, was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. The design is sleek and stylish however it's a little larger than some of the other options, so it may not be the ideal choice for small spaces. It's also quite heavy at over 10kg, and needs some maneuvering to get it into the right position. Emily from Clair de Lune also notes that it's not as simple to get into and out of as other beds for sleepers, as the sides don't move much and you'll have to bend over to scoop your baby up.