The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet type crib that can be attached directly to your bed. This allows your baby to rest comfortably close to you. This is a great solution if you'd like your baby to be near for peaceful feedings in the beginning stages of their development.
The HALO bassiNest Essentia was the winner in our best bedside cots test. It comes with an adjustable sleep surface that can be swiveled and sidewalls that can be lowered easily. This makes it easy to reach out for comfort and ease them back to sleep.
Safety
A bedside cot is a great solution for new parents who want to keep their baby close to them without sacrificing safety. The cot is attached to the bed's side and has a single end that can be lifted up or lowered down so that you can reach your child. You can use a crib for your bed to night feed your baby or soothe them back to sleep. This is a great choice particularly for mothers who have had C-sections. Bedside cots are available in a variety of sizes and styles and some even have storage. If you're shopping for a bedside cot, make sure you check out the safety features to be sure it is safe for your child.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot is an attractive cot that's simple to build and compact. Its oval shape is ideal for infants who roll around in their sleep, since it means they won't get trapped in a corner like they might with a rectangular crib. This cot can also be easily inserted into doors that have standard frames. This is a great feature for parents who are short in space.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is another good option. The cot comes with a variety of features that make parenting simpler and it looks stunning. Its adjustable sides mean that it will grow with your child and transform into a toddler bed when they're ready. It is also lightweight so it's easy to move around.
A high-quality bedside crib should have high mesh sides to stop your baby from falling out. It should be securely anchored to your bed, with no gaps or parts that are loose. If you're not confident about fitting a bedside cot yourself you can ask a professional to complete the task for you.
The ideal scenario is to avoid co-sleeping with your child until they're at least six months old. The official recommendation from the Lullaby Trust and the NHS is that newborns should not be sleeping in your bed due to the risk of overheating and suffocation. If you must co-sleep with your child, a crib at the bedside is the ideal option.
Size
A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as bassinet is a cot that is attached to the side of your mattress. It comes with a side which can be lifted or lowered to allow you to reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed. Famous moms like Stacey Solomon Binky Felstead, and Lucy Mecklenburgh love these. They are great for those who have limited mobility after a C-section.
The Maxi-Cosi is our top pick. It has an option to peek behind that allows you to view your baby on the bottom of the mattress. It can also be adjusted to the height of your mattress however some mothers have complained about the difficulty of moving it up and down. It's also among the lightest options we've seen and folds down into the size of a suitcase which makes it ideal for travelling with your little one.
Another great option is the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which can be used as an a portable cot, bassinet and playpen - it even was awarded our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards gold award in the best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. It has an adjustable shelf for storage and is easy to move into and out of a car. However, some mums were concerned that it was too long and wide for tight spaces, particularly when used as a bedside mattress.
Design
The best bedside cribs are stylish, sleek and contemporary. bedside crib and travel cot are designed with innovative features such as a peek-a-boo flap on the side, to allow you to check in on baby without disrupting them. Other features like adjustable heights are helpful for those who have difficulty getting up. Some sleepers can also be used as a bassinet, cot or for babies with reflux. There are also bedside crib and travel cot of options if you 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 converted into a travel cot that can be used for use outside of the home. They are also lightweight and easy for you to move around.
Some moms prefer the Lua Bedside sleeper that comes with a changing mat, storage area and a collapsible bassinet for babies 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 perfect size for a newborn and is larger than Moses baskets, which may appear flimsy or fragile.
Another great option is the iCandy Cocoon, which can be used as an Moses basket, cot or travel cot. It comes with a pop-up changing table, a shelf for toys and books, as well as an adjustable mesh side that allows you to view your baby. It's not light however it's easy to move around and looks great in any bedroom.
Cost
If you're in the market for a bedside sleeper bassinet or crib, cost will be a major factor. Some of the more popular models can be expensive. However there are a lot of cheaper alternatives. Some come in different styles and colors to complement your nursery decor.
The best bedside cribs can be adjusted and adjusted to the height of your mattress. Some models have an incline setting that is ideal 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 frequently go out or have guests staying in.
Bedside cots are typically a bit bigger than Moses baskets, but are smaller than cribs. Some are able to be moved from one room to another, while others have a side that can be lowered so that you can lift your baby towards you to feed them or comfort him. Some models come with a built-in rocker that can help soothe your baby to sleep.
Clair de Lune, a mid-priced baby 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 wider than some other options, meaning it may not be the ideal choice for small spaces. It's also quite heavy at more than 10kg and requires some maneuvering to put it in place it. Emily from Clair de Lune also notes that it's not as simple to get in and out of as some other sleepers for bed, due to the sides don't flex much and you need to bend to scoop your baby up.