The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed which allows your babies to sleep right next to you. This is a great option for parents who want their baby to be close by to feed them without fuss in the beginning stages.
The HALO BassiNest Essentia was crowned our top bedside cot in our test, with an adjustable sleeping surface that can be swiveled and sidewalls that slide down easily. This makes it easier to reach to relax and get back to sleep.
Safety
A bedside cot is the ideal solution for new parents who want to keep their child close but not sacrifice security. This type of cot fixes to the bed's side and has one end which can be lifted or lowered down so that you can reach your child. You can also use a bedside crib to feed your baby at night or to soothe them back to sleep. This is a fantastic option especially for mothers who have had C-sections. Bedside cots are available in many different designs and sizes, and some even include storage. If you're looking for a bedside cot be sure to check the safety features to make sure it is safe for your baby.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot has an attractive design and is easy to assemble. Its oval shape is ideal for babies who tend to lay around during sleep, because it means they won't get stuck in the corner like they might with a rectangular cot. The cot is easily fitted through doors that have standard frames. This is a fantastic feature for parents who are tight on space.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is another great 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 then transform into a toddler bed when they're ready. It's also lightweight, which means it's easy to move around the home.
A quality crib for your bed should have a high mesh side to stop your child from falling out. It should also be attached securely to your bed with no gaps or areas that are loose. Contact a professional if aren't confident in installing a crib for your bed yourself.
Co-sleeping is not recommended until your baby is at least six months of age. Official advice from The Lullaby Trust and the NHS is that babies should not be sleeping in your bed due to the danger of overheating and suffocation. If you must co-sleep with your child, a crib by the bedside is the ideal option.
Size
A bedside cot is a bassinet-style cot which is attached to the side of your bed. It has one side that can be lifted up or dropped down so that you can reach your baby easily without having to get out of bed. These are the preferred choice of famous moms like Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and Lucy Mecklenburgh. They're ideal for parents who have limited mobility after having a C-section.
The Maxi-Cosi Lora is our number one choice. It has a peekaboo feature that allows you to see your baby on the bottom of the mattress. It can also be adjusted to the mattress's height but some mothers have complained about the difficulty of moving it up and down. It's also one of the most lightweight options on our list and folds down to an ideal size for a suitcase which makes it ideal to travel with your child.
Another option that is great is the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which converts into 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 comes with a useful storage shelf underneath and is super-light to lift into and out of the car. Some mums, however, found it too big and wide to fit in tight spaces, especially when it was used as a bed by the bed.
Design
The best cribs for your bed will be modern, sleek and stylish. Some are designed with innovative features including a peek-aboo flap on the side to help you observe your baby without disturbing them. Other features, like adjustable height are beneficial when your spouse is having difficulties getting out of bed. Some sleepers can also be used as an cot, bassinet or for babies with reflux. If you're seeking something more traditional, there are plenty of options as well.
Some of our top picks are the CoZee Air from Tutti Bambini which was awarded bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category as well as the Next2me Magic shortlisted in the same category. Both have adjustable height, and can be turned into a travel cot for use away from home. They're also super lightweight and easy to move from room to room.
Other mums like the Lua Bedside Sleeper, which has an adjustable changing mat and storage space as well as an adjustable bassinet that folds into a mini-portable crib and storage bag. Jasmine says it's the ideal size for a baby and is bigger than Moses baskets, which may appear flimsy or fragile.
Another option is an alternative is the iCandy Cocoon, which can be used as a Moses basket, cot or travel cot. It features 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 factor when you are shopping for a crib, bassinet, or bedside sleeper. Certain of the most popular models can be costly. However there are plenty of less expensive alternatives. There are a variety of styles and colors to complement the decor of your nursery.
The most comfortable bedside cots have adjustable sides that can be adjusted to match the height of your bed. bedside cot crib come with an incline option which is ideal for babies suffering from reflux. Some models come with a carry-on bag and can be folded up when not in use. This is great for mothers who are often traveling or having guests over.
Bedside cots are usually slightly larger than Moses baskets but smaller than cribs. Some are able to be moved from one room to another, and others have a side that can be adjusted so that you can lift your child to feed them or comfort them. Some models also come with a built-in rocker so you can soothe your little one to sleep.
Clair de Lune, a mid-priced model, was nominated for the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. The design is sleek and elegant, but it's slightly larger than some of the other options, which means it's not the ideal choice for small spaces. It's also a bit heavy, weighing over 10kg, and requires some maneuvering to place it. Emily from Clair de Lune also notes that it's not as easy to get into and out of as some other beds for sleepers, as the sides don't flex much and you need to bend over to pick up your baby.