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 solution for parents who want their child to be near for peaceful feedings during the first few months of his life.
The HALO bassiNest Essentia was the winner of our top rated bedside cots for testing. It has an adjustable sleep surface that can be swiveled and sidewalls that can be lowered easily. This allows you to reach over and comfort them.
Safety
A bedside cot is the ideal solution for new parents who want to keep their baby close without sacrificing safety. The cot is attached to the bed's side and has a single end which can be lifted or lowered so you can reach your child. 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 can be found in a variety of styles and sizes, and some come with storage. When you are looking for a cot for your bedside, be sure to check the safety features.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot has a stylish design and is easy to assemble. Its oval-shaped design is perfect for babies who like to roll in their sleep. They won't be stuck in a corner as they would with an oblong cot. The cot can also be easily fitted into doors with standard frames. This is an excellent option for parents who are short in space.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is another good alternative. This cot has a lot of features that make parenting easier, and it looks great. Its adjustable sides mean it can grow with your child, and then transform into an infant bed when they're ready. It's also lightweight, which means it's easy to move around the house.
A quality crib for your bed should have mesh sides that are high to stop your child from falling out. It should be securely attached to your bed, with no gaps or parts that are loose. If you're not sure about installing a bedside cot on your own, ask a professional to complete the task for you.
Sleeping in a co-sleeper is not recommended until your baby is at least six months of age. The official recommendation from the Lullaby Trust and the NHS is that infants shouldn't sleep in your bed because of the risk of suffocation or overheating. If you are forced to share a bed with your child, a crib placed at the bedside is the ideal option.
Size
A bedside cot, also known as a bassinet, is a cot that attaches to the sides of your mattress. It has a side that can be adjusted so that you can reach your baby without having to leave the bed. Celeb mums like Stacey Solomon Binky Felstead, and Lucy Mecklenburgh are awestruck by these. They are perfect for those who are unable to move after a C-section.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is our number one pick. It comes with an option to peek behind that allows you to view your baby on the bottom of the mattress. It can also be adjusted to your mattress height however some mothers have complained about the difficulty of moving it up and down. It's also one of the lightest options on our list and folds down to the size of a suitcase which makes it perfect for travelling with your baby.
The Slumber 3-in-1 is a great alternative. It can be used as a portable bassinet or cot, and it also doubles as playpen. The product was awarded the gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the Best Cot or Moses Basket, or Crib. It comes with a useful storage shelf below and is light enough to carry into and out of the car. However, some mothers found it a bit big and bulky for small spaces, especially when used as a bedside mattress.
Design
The best bedside cribs are stylish, sleek and modern. Some come with innovative designs including a peek-aboo flap on the side, to help you check in on baby without disrupting them. Other features such as adjustable heights are helpful when your spouse is having trouble getting out of bed. Some sleepers can also be used as a bassinet, cot or for reflux babies. There are also plenty of options if you're looking for something more traditional.
A few of our favourites are the CoZee Air from Tutti Bambini which was awarded bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards ' Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category and the Next2me Magic was shortlisted in that same category. Both come with adjustable heights, and can be converted into a travel cot to use when away from home. They are also light and easy to move around.
Some moms prefer the Lua Bedside sleeper that includes a changing mat, storage area and a collapsible baby bassinet which can be turned into an e-couch that can be carried around. It also comes with a storage bag. Jasmine says it's the perfect size for infants and is bigger than Moses baskets, which are often flimsy or thin.
Another great option is the iCandy Cocoon, which can be used as a Moses basket, cot or travel cot. It comes with a pop-up changer and a shelf that is perfect for books and toys and a mesh adjustable side that gives you an excellent view of your baby. It's not light but it's easy to move around and looks fantastic in any bedroom.
Cost
If you're shopping for a bedside sleeper, bassinet or crib, cost is a consideration. Some of the more popular models can be quite expensive. However there are plenty of less expensive alternatives. Some even come in a variety of styles and colors to match your nursery's decor.
The best bedside cots have adjustable sides and can be raised to meet the bed's height. Some have an incline setting which is ideal for babies who suffer from reflux. Some models come with a carry-on bag and can be folded when not in use. This is ideal for new mothers who are often on the go or have guests to entertain.
Bedside cots are generally smaller than Moses baskets, but are smaller than cribs. Recommended Reading can also be moved from room to when needed, and some have a side that drops down so that you can pull your baby out toward you for feeding or soothing. Some have a built-in rocker so you can soothe your little one to sleep.
The Clair de Lune is a mid-priced option that was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. The design is sleek and elegant however, it's a bit wider than some other options, meaning it might not be the best fit for tight spaces. It's also quite heavy at over 10kg, and requires some maneuvering to position it. Emily from Clair de Lune notes that the sides of this sleeper don't stretch enough, meaning you have to bend to take your baby.