Best Bedside Cots: What s The Only Thing Nobody Is Talking About
The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet style that is attached to your bed which allows your babies to sleep right next to you. 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 in our top bedside cots test. It features a swiveling sleep surface and sidewalls which can be lowered easily. This makes it easier to reach over for comfort and lull them back to sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib is a fantastic option for parents who wish to keep their infant close to them, but not compromise security. The cot is attached to the bed's side and has a curved end that can be lifted or lowered down so that you can reach your baby. It can also be used as a night-time feeding station or to soothe your baby to sleep. This is a great option particularly for mothers who have had C-sections. Bedside cots are available in various sizes and styles and some even have 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 is a stylish-looking cot that's easy to build and compact. The oval shape is perfect for infants who play around in their sleep, since it ensures that they don't get trapped in a corner like they would with an oblong crib. This cot is also easy to fit into door frames that are standard which is a huge benefit for parents with limited space.
Another option is the La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed. This cot has a lot of features that make parenting easier, and it looks great. Its adjustable sides let it expand with your child and then convert into an infant's bed when the time comes. It is also lightweight so it is easy to move around.
A quality crib for your bed should have high mesh sides to prevent your child from falling out. It should be fitted securely to your bed, with no gaps or areas that are loose. If you're unsure about fitting a bedside cot yourself, ask a professional to do it for you.
Ideally, you should avoid sleeping with your baby until they're at least six months old. The official recommendation from the Lullaby Trust and the NHS is that newborns shouldn't sleep in your bed due to the danger of suffocation and overheating. However, if you need to sleep with your partner the bedside crib is the safest option.
Size
A bedside crib travel cot is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side. It comes with a side which can be lifted or lowered down to allow you to reach your baby easily without the need to leave the bed. They are a favorite of famous moms like Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and Lucy Mecklenburgh. They're ideal for parents who have a limited mobility following a C-section.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is our number one choice. It has the ability to peek at you to see your child on the bottom of the mattress. It also adjusts to the height of your mattress but some mothers have complained about the difficulty of moving it up and down. It's also one of our lightest options and folds into a suitcase-sized package. This makes it ideal for travel with your baby.
The Slumber 3-in-1 is a great alternative. It can be used as a travel cot or bassinet as well as a playpen. This product was awarded the gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket, or Crib. It comes with a useful storage shelf beneath and is light enough to carry into and out of the car. However, some mums found it a bit large and wide for small bedside cot areas, particularly when used as a bedside mattress.
Design
The best cribs for bed are sleek, stylish and modern. Some have innovative designs such as a peek-a-boo flap on the side to allow you to check in on baby without disturbing them. Other features, like adjustable height, can be helpful for those who have difficulty getting up and down from their bed. Some sleepers are also suitable as a bassinet, cot or for reflux babies. There are also plenty of options for those who want something more traditional.
The CoZee Air by Tutti Bambini received bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the best Cot or Moses Basket category. Next2me Magic was also shortlisted. Both have adjustable heights and can be transformed into a travel cot for use away from home. They're also super lightweight and easy to move from room to room.
Some moms prefer the Lua rocking Bedside Crib sleeper that comes with a changing mat, storage area and a baby bassinet that can be folded that can be converted into an e-couch that can be carried around. It also comes with a storage bag. Jasmine says it's the ideal size for a baby and is bigger than Moses baskets, which may feel flimsy or thin.
The iCandy Cocoon is another great alternative. It can be used as a Moses Basket, cot or travel cot. It has a pop-up changing table, a shelf for toys and books, and an adjustable mesh side that lets you view your baby. It's not light, but it is easy to move around and looks fantastic 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 quite expensive however there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that won't cost you a fortune. Some even come in a range of different styles and colors to fit your nursery's decor.
The best bedside cribs are adjustable and can be elevated to the level of your mattress. Some models also have an incline position that is perfect for babies with reflux. They can also be folded away when not in use, and some models come with a travel bag included which is ideal for new mums who often go out or have guests staying over.
Bedside cots are usually a bit bigger than Moses baskets, but are smaller than cribs. They can also be moved from room to room in case you have to and some come with an end that can be lowered so that you can pull your baby out towards you for night feeds or soothing. Some models also come with built-in rockers 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 bedside cot Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. It's stylish and sleek however it's a bit wider than other options. It's probably not ideal for small spaces. It's also quite heavy at over 10kg, and will require some 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, so you'll need to bend down to pick up your baby.