The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside cot is a bassinet-style crib that attaches to your own bed and allows your infants to sleep close. This is a great choice for parents who want their child to be close for fuss-free 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 dip down without difficulty. This makes it easy to reach over and soothe them.
Safety
A bedside cot is an ideal solution for new parents who wish to keep their infant close without sacrificing safety. This type of crib is attached to the side of your mattress and is movable so that you can reach out to your baby. It can also be used as a night feeding station or to help soothe your baby to sleep. It's also a great choice for mothers who've had a C-section. cot bedside are available in various sizes and styles, and some include storage. When shopping for a 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 put together and compact. The oval shape is perfect for babies who tend to lay around during sleep, because it means that they won't be stuck in the corner as they would with an oblong crib. The cot is easily inserted into standard door frames. This is an excellent option for parents who are short in space.
Another great option is the La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed. This cot is an excellent all-rounder, with plenty of features to simplify parenting and have beautiful design. Its adjustable sides mean that it can adapt to your child, and then transform into an infant bed when they're ready. It's also light, so it's easy to move around.
A crib with a high mesh side is a good feature to put on a bedside crib. This will prevent your child from falling. It should be securely fitted to your bed with no gaps or loose parts. Contact a professional if are unsure about fitting a bedside crib yourself.
Co-sleeping is not recommended until your baby is at least six months old age. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, advise that you should not let your infant sleep in your bed. This is because of the possibility of overheating and suffocation. If you are forced to share a bed with your child, a crib by the bedside is the best option.
Size
A bedside cot, also referred to as the bassinet is a cot which attaches to the side of your mattress. It comes with a side which can be lifted or lowered so that you can 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 perfect for those who are unable to move following a C-section.
Our top choice, the Maxi-Cosi Lora, comes with a peekaboo flap that lets you see your child from the bottom of the bed. It also adjusts to the height of your mattress - though some mothers complained that it was difficult to move it up and down. It's also among the most lightweight options on our list and it folds down to the size of a suitcase which makes it perfect for traveling with your baby.
Another great option is the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which transforms into a travel cot, bassinet and playpen. It even won our 2021 Mother&Baby Award gold medal in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It comes with a useful storage shelf below and is extremely light to lift in and out of the car. However, some mothers thought it was a bit too long and wide for tight spaces, particularly when used as a bedside sleeper.
Design
The best cribs for your bed are sleek, stylish and modern. Some are designed with innovative features, like a peek-a-boo flap on the side, to allow you to check in on baby without disrupting them. Other features, such as adjustable height, can be helpful when your child has difficulty getting up and down from bed. These sleepers can also be used as a bassinet or cot with tilt positions for babies with reflux. If you're seeking something more traditional There are plenty of options as well.
The CoZee Air by Tutti Bambini was awarded bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Moses Basket category. Next2me Magic was also shortlisted. Both are adjustable in height and can be used as a travel cot while away from home. They're also extremely light and easy to move from room room.
Some mums prefer the Lua Bedside sleeper that comes with a changing mat, storage space and a collapsible baby bassinet that can be transformed into portable mini cot. It also comes with a storage bag. Jasmine says that it is the ideal size for babies and is more substantial than Moses baskets which are often flimsy or thin.
Another option that is great is the iCandy Cocoon, which can be used as a Moses basket, cot, or travel cot. It comes with a pop-up changer as well as a shelf to store toys and books and a mesh adjustable side that gives you a good view of your baby. It's not very light, but it is easy to move around and looks fantastic in any bedroom.
Cost
Cost is a major aspect when you're looking for a crib, bassinet, or bedside sleeper. Some of the most popular models are expensive, but there are plenty of lower-cost alternatives that won't break the bank. Many are available in a range of different colors and designs to suit your nursery decor.
The most comfortable bedside cots have adjustable sides that can be raised to match the bed's height. Some have an incline setting which is ideal for babies who suffer from reflux. Some models come with a travel bag and fold up when not in use. This is perfect for mothers who are always on the go or have guests coming over.
Bedside cots are usually a little bigger than Moses baskets, but smaller than cribs. Some can be moved from one place to another, while others come with a side that can be lowered to allow you to lift your child to feed them or soothe them. Some models also come with built-in rockers so you can soothe your baby to sleep.
The Clair de Lune is a mid-priced option that was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. The design is sleek and elegant however it's a little larger than some of the other options, so it might not be the ideal choice for small spaces. It is also a bit heavy, weighing over 10kg, and requires some maneuvering to position it. Emily from Clair de Lune notes that the sides of this mattress don't bend as much, which means you have to bend down to pick up your baby.