The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet style that is attached to your bed and allows your baby to sleep close by. This is an ideal option for parents who want their little one to be close by for feedings that aren't a hassle during the first few months of.
The HALO bassiNest Essentia was the winner in our best bedside cots test. It features a swiveling sleep surface and sidewalls which can be lowered easily. This allows you to reach over and comfort them.
Safety
A bedside cot is an ideal solution for parents who want to keep their child close to them without sacrificing security. The cot is attached to the bed's side and has one end that can be lifted or lowered down so that you can reach your baby. You can use a crib for your bed to night feed your baby or soothe them back to sleep. It's also a great option for mothers who have had a C-section. Bedside cots are available in a variety of sizes and designs, and some include storage. When choosing an upholstered cot for your bedside, be sure to check the safety features.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot is an elegant cot for bedside that is easy to build and compact. Its oval design is perfect for babies who play around in their sleep, as it ensures that they don't get stuck in the corner as they would with an oblong crib. The cot is also easy to slide through standard door frames which is a huge advantage for parents who are stretched out by their space.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is another good option. This cot is a great all-rounder with plenty of features that simplify parenting and have a gorgeous look. Its adjustable sides let it grow with your child, and then convert into a toddler's bed once the time arrives. It is also lightweight so it's easy to move around.
A quality crib for your bed should have a high mesh side to stop your baby from falling out. It should be securely fitted to your bed, with no gaps or parts that are loose. Ask a professional if you are not confident in fitting a bedside crib yourself.
The ideal scenario is to avoid sleeping with your infant until they're at least six months old. The official advice from the Lullaby Trust and the NHS is that infants should not sleep in your bed due to the risk of suffocation and overheating. If you have to sleep with your child, a crib by the bedside is the best alternative.
Size
A twin bedside cot cot, also referred to as the bassinet is a cot that attaches to the sides of your mattress. It is a side that can be raised or lowered to allow you to reach your baby without having to get out of bed. These are a favourite of celeb moms such as Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and Lucy Mecklenburgh. They are perfect for those who may have a limited mobility following a C-section.
Our top pick, the Maxi Cosi Lora, has an opening that lets you view your baby from below the bed. It also adjusts to the height of your mattress however some moms have complained that it was difficult to move it 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 perfect for traveling with your child.
Another option that is great is the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which transforms into a bassinet, travel cot and playpen. It also won our 2021 Mother&Baby Award gold medal in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It has a handy 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 spaces, particularly when used as a bedside sleeper.
Design
The best cribs for bed are modern, sleek and stylish. Some cribs have innovative designs, like a peek-a-boo flap on the sides to allow you to check on your baby without disturbing him. Other features such as adjustable height are useful if your partner is having difficulty getting out of bed. Some sleepers can also be used as a bassinet, cot, or for babies with reflux. If you're looking for something more traditional, there are plenty of options as well.
The CoZee Air by Tutti Bambini was awarded bronze at the 2021 Mother&baby bedside cot 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 when away from home. They are also lightweight and easy to move around.
Other mums like the Lua Bedside Sleeper that comes with a changing mat as well as a storage area as in addition to an adjustable bassinet that folds into a mini-portable cot and a storage bag. Jasmine says it's the perfect size for a newborn and is bigger than Moses baskets, which may appear flimsy or fragile.
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 handy shelf for toys and books, and a mesh, adjustable side that allows you to have the best view of your baby. It's not very light, but it is easy to move around and looks fantastic in any bedroom.
Cost
Cost will be an important factor when you are looking for a crib, bassinet or bedside sleeper. Some of the most sought-after models can be quite expensive. However there are plenty of less expensive alternatives. Some come in different colors and styles to match your nursery decor.
The best bedside cot bedside cots - delphi.larsbo.org - have adjustable sides that can be raised to match the height of your bed. Some have an inclined position that is great for babies suffering from reflux. They can also be folded when not in use, and some models come with bags for travel that is perfect for new mothers who frequently go out or have guests staying in.
Bedside cots are usually a bit bigger than Moses baskets, but smaller than cribs. They can be moved from room-to-room when needed and some come with an end that can be lowered so that you can pull your child towards you for night feeds or soothing. 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. The design is stylish and sleek, but it's slightly larger than some of the other options, so it might not be the ideal choice for small spaces. It is also quite heavy at over 10kg, and requires some maneuvering to place it. Emily from Clair de Lune also notes that it's not as simple to move in and out of as some other twin bedside cot sleepers, because the sides don't flex much and you need to bend to pick up your baby.