The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside cot is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your bed and allows your infants to sleep close. This is a great choice to allow your baby to be close for fuss-free feedings during the first few months of his life.
The HALO BassiNest Essentia took home our top bedside cot test, offering a swiveling sleeping surface and sidewalls that slide down effortlessly. This makes it easier to reach to relax and get back to sleep.
Safety
A bedside cot is the ideal solution for parents who want to keep their child close without sacrificing security. This kind of cot attaches to the bed's side and has a single end that can be lifted up or lowered down so that you can reach your baby. You can use the crib as a night time feeding station or to help soothe your baby back to sleep. It's also a great choice for mums who have had a C-section. Bedside cots are available in a variety of sizes and designs and some even have storage. When shopping for a bedside cot make sure you check the safety features.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot is an elegant cot that is easy to build and compact. Its oval shape is perfect for babies who roll around in their sleep. They won't end up in a corner as they would with an oblong cot. This cot can also be easily inserted into doors that have standard frames. This is an excellent feature for parents who are limited in space.
Another great option is the La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed. It comes with a number of features that make parenting simpler, and it looks great. Its adjustable sides let it expand with your child and then transform into a toddler's bed once the time arrives. It's also light, so it's easy to move around the home.
A quality crib for your bed should have a high mesh side to prevent your child from falling out. It should be securely attached to your bed with no gaps or loose parts. Ask a professional if you are unsure about fitting a bedside crib yourself.
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 let your newborn sleep in your bed. This is because of the danger of suffocation and overheating. If you do need to sleep with your partner in a crib, a crib that is placed near your bed is the best option.
Size
A bedside cot, also referred to as bassinet, is a cot that attaches to the side of your mattress. It has a side which can be lifted or lowered to allow you to reach your baby easily, without needing to get out of bed. Celeb mums like Stacey Solomon Binky Felstead, and Lucy Mecklenburgh love these. They are great for those who are unable to move after a C-section.
Our top choice, the Maxi-Cosi Lora, comes with an opening that lets you peek at your baby from below the bed. It can also be adjusted to the height of your mattress - though some mothers said it was tricky to move it up and down. It's also one of our lightest choices and can fold into a suitcase-sized bag. This makes it perfect to travel with your baby.
best bedside cot for newborn 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 medal 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. Some mothers have found it a bit large and wide for small spaces, especially when used as a bedside sleeper.
Design
The best cribs for your bed are sleek, stylish and modern. Some cribs have unique designs, such as a peek-a-boo flap on the sides that allow you to observe your baby without disturbing him. Other features, like adjustable height, can be helpful for those who have difficulty getting up or down from their bed. Some sleepers can also be used as an cot, bassinet or for reflux babies. If you're looking for something a bit more traditional There are plenty of options as well.
A few of our favourites are the CoZee Air from Tutti Bambini that won bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Award Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category and the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the same category. Both are adjustable in height and can be used as a travel cot when away from home. They are also lightweight and easy for you to move around.
Some mums prefer the Lua Bedside sleeper that comes with a changing mat, storage space and a baby bassinet that can be folded that can be converted into portable mini cot. It also comes with a storage bag. Jasmine says that it is the ideal size for babies and is bigger than Moses baskets that may feel flimsy or thin.
The iCandy Cocoon is another great alternative. It can be used as a Moses Basket or a cot for travel. It features a pop-up changing table and a shelf for toys and books, and an adjustable mesh side that allows you to observe your baby. It's not lightweight, but it is easy to move around and looks fantastic in any bedroom.
Cost
Cost is an important aspect when looking for a crib, bassinet, or bedside sleeper. Some of the most sought-after models can be costly. However there are a lot of cheaper alternatives. They are available in a variety of colors and designs to suit your nursery decor.
The best cribs for bedside use can be adjusted and elevated to the level of your mattress. Some models have an incline setting that is ideal for babies suffering from reflux. They can also fold away when not in use, and some models come with a travel bag included which is perfect for new mothers who are often out and about or have guests staying over.
Bedside cots are usually slightly bigger than Moses baskets but smaller than cribs. They can be moved from room to in case you have to and some come with a side that drops down so that you can pull your baby towards you for night feeds or to soothe. Some models come with a built-in rocker to help soothe your baby to sleep.
Clair de Lune, a mid-priced model, was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. It's stylish and sleek, but slightly larger than other models. This may not be suitable for smaller spaces. It's also a bit heavy, weighing over 10kg and requires some maneuvering to position it. Emily from Clair de Lune also notes that it's not as simple to move in and out of as other sleepers for bed, due to the sides don't flex much and you'll have to bend over to pick up your baby.