The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet style crib that can be attached directly to your bed. This allows baby to sleep safely close to you. This is a great option if you'd like your baby to be near for peaceful feedings in the beginning stages of their development.
The HALO BassiNest Essentia took home our top bedside cot test, with an adjustable sleeping surface that can be swiveled and sidewalls that drop down without difficulty. This allows you to easily reach over and comfort them.
Safety
A bedside cot is the ideal solution for parents who wish to keep their infant close without sacrificing safety. This kind of cot attaches to the bed's side and has a curved end which can be lifted or lowered so you can reach your little one. You can also use a bedside crib to feed your baby at night or soothe them back to sleep. It's also a great option for mums who have had a C-section. Bedside cots can be found in many different designs and sizes, and some include storage. When choosing a bedside cot, be sure to check the safety features.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot is an elegant cot that is easy to build and compact. Its oval design is perfect for babies who play around in their sleep, since it means that they won't be stuck in the corner like they might with an oblong cot. This cot can also be easily inserted into standard door frames. This is a great option for parents who are short on space.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is a good option. This cot is a great all-purpose cot, with plenty of features that simplify parenting and have an attractive design. Its adjustable sides allow it to grow with your child and then convert into a toddler's bed once the time comes. It is also lightweight so it's easy to move around.
A quality crib for your bed should have high mesh sides to stop your child from falling out. It should be securely attached to your bed without gaps or parts that are loose. If you're unsure about fitting a bedside cot yourself or hiring a professional, let a professional complete the task for you.
Sleeping in a co-sleeper is not recommended until your baby is at least six months of age. The official advice from the Lullaby Trust and the NHS is that infants should not sleep in your bed due to the danger of overheating and suffocation. If you are forced to share a bed with your child, a crib placed at the bedside is the ideal option.
Size
A bedside cot, also referred to as a bassinet is a cot which attaches to the side of your mattress. It is a side that can be raised or lowered to let you reach your baby without needing to get out of bed. These are a favourite of famous moms like Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and Lucy Mecklenburgh. They're perfect for those who may be unable to move after having a C-section.
Our top pick, the Maxi Cosi Lora, has a peekaboo flap that lets you view your child from below the bed and it adjusts to the height of your mattress however some moms have said it was tricky to move up and down. It's also one of the most lightweight options on our list and folds down to a suitcase-sized package, making it ideal to travel with your child.
The Slumber 3-in-1 is a good option. It can be used as a portable bassinet or cot, and it also doubles as a playpen. This product won the gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot or Moses Basket, or Crib. It comes with a storage shelf and is easy to lift into and out of the car. Some mums, however, were concerned that it was too big and wide to fit into tight spaces, particularly when it is used as a sleeper on the bed.
Design
The best bedside cribs are sleek, stylish, and modern. bedside cots for newborns come with innovative designs, like a peek-a-boo flap on the side to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing them. Other features such as adjustable height are beneficial when your spouse is having trouble getting up. These sleepers can be used as a cot or bassinet, and some have tilt positions for babies with reflux. If you're looking for something a bit more traditional There are plenty of options to choose from as well.
Some of our top picks are the CoZee Air from Tutti Bambini which was awarded bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Award Best Cot Crib, Moses or Basket category, and the Next2me Magic was shortlisted in that same category. Both can be adjusted in height and can be used as a travel cot when away from home. bedside cots for newborns are also light and easy for you to move around.
Some mums prefer the Lua Bedside sleeper that includes a changing mat, storage space and a collapsible baby bassinet 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 feel flimsy or thin.
Another option is another 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 and a shelf for toys and books, and an adjustable mesh side that allows you to observe your baby. It's not light however it's easy to move and looks elegant in any bedroom.
Cost
Cost will be an important factor when you are shopping for a crib, bassinet, or bedside sleeper. Many of the most sought-after models are quite expensive however there are plenty of lower-cost alternatives that won't break the bank. Some come in different colors and styles to match your nursery decor.
The best bedside cots have adjustable sides and can be raised to match the bed's height. Some models have an incline setting that is ideal for babies with reflux. Some models come with a travel bag and fold up when not in use. This is perfect for mothers who are often on the go or have guests to entertain.
Bedside cots are generally a little bigger 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 raised so that you can lift your child to feed them or comfort him. Some have 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. The design is sleek and stylish, but it's slightly larger than other options, so it may not be the best choice for small spaces. It's also quite heavy at more than 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 sleepers for bed, due to the sides don't move much and you need to bend to pick up your baby.