The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed, making it safe for babies to sleep right next to you. This is a great option for parents who want their child to be near for peaceful feedings during the first few months of his life.
The HALO bassiNest Essentia is the winner of our best bedside cots test. It comes with an adjustable sleep surface and sidewalls which can be easily lowered. This makes it easy to reach out and feel comfortable.
Safety
A bedside cot is an ideal solution for parents who want to keep their child close without sacrificing safety. This kind of crib is attached to the side of your mattress. It has a movable end so you can reach out to your baby. You can use a bedside crib to night feed your baby or help them go to sleep. It's also a great option for mums who have had a C-section. bedside baby bed cots come in various sizes and styles and some come with storage. When shopping for an upholstered cot for your bedside, be sure to check the safety features.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot is a stylish-looking cot that's easy to build and compact. Its oval-shaped design is perfect for babies who like to roll in their sleep. They won't be confined in a corner like they would with a rectangular cot. The cot is easily fitted through doors that have standard frames. This is an excellent option for parents who are limited on space.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is a good alternative. The cot comes with a variety of features that make parenting simpler and it looks stunning. Its adjustable sides allow it to expand with your child and then convert into a toddler's bed once the time arrives. It's also lightweight, so it's easy to move around the house.
A high mesh crib side is a nice feature to have on a bedside crib. This will prevent your child from falling. It should be securely fitted to your bed with no gaps or parts that are loose. If you're unsure about installing a bedside cot on your own, ask a professional to do it for you.
Co-sleeping is not recommended until your baby is at least six months of age. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that you don't allow your baby to sleep in your bed. This is due to the risk of suffocation and overheating. If you have to sleep with your child, a crib by the bedside crib to cot is the best alternative.
Size
A bedside cot, also referred to as a bassinet is a cot that is attached to the side of your mattress. It is a side that can be raised or lowered so that you can reach your baby without having to leave the bed. These are the preferred choice of celeb mums such as Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and Lucy Mecklenburgh and are ideal for mothers who be unable to move after a C-section.
Our top choice, the Maxi-Cosi Lora, comes with an opening that lets you view your child 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 lightest options on our list and folds down to an ideal size for a suitcase which makes it ideal for traveling with your baby.
The Slumber 3-in-1 is a good alternative. It can be used as a portable bassinet or cot and also serves as playpen. The product was awarded the gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards within the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket, or Crib. It has a handy storage shelf underneath and is super-light to lift into and out of the car. Some mothers have were concerned that it was too big and bulky for small areas, particularly when used as a bedside sleeper.
Design
The best cribs for beds are stylish, sleek and contemporary. Some are designed with innovative features including a peek-aboo flap on the side, to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing them. Other features, like adjustable height are useful for those who have trouble getting out of bed. Some sleepers can also be used as a bassinet, cot, or for babies with reflux. There are plenty of options if you're looking for something more traditional.
Some of our favorites are the CoZee Air from Tutti Bambini which was awarded bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses or Basket category and the Next2me Magic was shortlisted in that same category. Both come with adjustable heights, and can be transformed into a travel cot for use outside of the home. They're also light and easy to move from room room.
Other mums like the Lua Bedside Sleeper that comes with a changing mat and storage area as in addition to an adjustable bassinet that folds into a mini portable cot as well as a storage bag. Jasmine says it's the ideal size for a newborn and is more substantial than Moses baskets, which may appear flimsy or fragile.
The iCandy Cocoon is another great option. It can be used as a Moses Basket, cot or travel cot. It has a pop-up changing table as well as a shelf to store books and toys, and a mesh, adjustable side that allows you to have a good view of your baby. It's not lightweight, but it is easy to move around and looks great in any bedroom.
Cost
If you're looking for a bedside sleeper bassinet or crib, cost will be a factor. Many of the most sought-after models are costly however there are plenty of lower-cost alternatives that won't cost you a fortune. There are a variety of styles and colors to complement the decor of your nursery.
The best bedside cots have adjustable sides and can be adjusted to match the bed's height. Some models also have an incline position that is perfect for babies suffering from reflux. They can also be folded when not in use and some models even have an included travel bag that is perfect for new mothers who are often out and about or have guests staying in.
Bedside cots are generally slightly bigger than Moses baskets but smaller than cribs. Some can be moved from one room to another, while others have a side which can be lowered to allow you to lift your child towards you to feed them or soothe them. Some also have built-in rockers so you can soothe your baby to sleep.
Clair de Lune, a mid-priced baby model, was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&baby bedside crib Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. It's stylish and sleek however it's a bit larger than other options. It's not ideal for small spaces. It's also quite heavy at more than 10kg, and requires some maneuvering to get it into the right position. Emily from Clair de Lune also notes that it's not as easy to get in and out of as some other bedside sleepers, because the sides don't flex much and you'll have to bend to pick up your baby.