The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style crib that is attached directly to your bed. This lets your baby sleep safely close to you. This is a great choice to allow your baby to be close for fuss-free feedings in the beginning stages of their development.
The HALO BassiNest Essentia was crowned our top bedside cot in our test, offering a swiveling bed and sidewalls that dip down easily. This makes it easy to reach to relax and get to sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib is a great option for parents who want to keep their baby close but without compromising their security. This type of cot fixes to the bed's side and has a single end which can be lifted or lowered down so that you can reach your baby. You can also use a bedside crib to night feed your baby or to soothe them to sleep. This is a fantastic option particularly for mothers who have had C-sections. Bedside cots come in various sizes and styles, and some include storage. When foldable bedside crib are looking for an upholstered cot for your bedside, be sure to check the safety features.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot has an attractive design and is easy to assemble. Its oval shape is ideal for babies who roll in their sleep. They won't end up in a corner as they would with an oblong cot. This cot is also easy to slide through standard door frames which is a huge plus for space-stretched new parents.
Another good choice is the La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed. The cot comes with a variety of features that make parenting simpler and also looks beautiful. Its adjustable sides mean it will grow with your child and convert into a toddler bed when they're ready. It's also light, so it's easy to move around the home.
A good quality bedside crib should have a high mesh side to stop your baby from falling out. It should be fitted securely to your bed with no gaps or areas that are loose. If you're not sure about fitting a bedside cot by yourself, ask a professional to install it for you.
Co-sleeping is not recommended until your baby is at least six months old age. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that you don't allow your baby to sleep in your bed. This is due to the possibility of overheating and suffocation. If you are forced to share a bed with your child, a crib at the bedside is the best option.
Size
A bedside cot, also referred to as a bassinet is a cot that attaches to the side of your mattress. It has one side that can be lifted or lowered to let you reach your baby easily, without the need to leave the bed. Famous moms like Stacey Solomon Binky Felstead, and Lucy Mecklenburgh adore these. They are perfect for those with limited mobility following a C-section.
Our top choice, the Maxi-Cosi Lora, comes with an opening that lets you view your baby from the bottom of the bed and it adjusts to the mattress's height - although some mums claimed it was difficult to move up and down. It's also one of our lightest options that can be folded into a suitcase size. This makes it perfect to travel 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 Awards gold award in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It comes with a useful storage shelf beneath and is light enough to carry in and out of the car. However, some mothers found it a bit big and bulky for small areas, particularly when used as a bedside mattress.
Design
The best bedside cribs will be sleek, stylish and modern. Some come with innovative designs, like a peek-a-boo flap on the side, to help you check in on baby without disturbing them. Other features, like adjustable height, are helpful if your partner has trouble getting up and down from bed. Some sleepers can also be used as a bassinet, cot, or for babies with reflux. If you're seeking something more traditional There are plenty of options as well.
co sleeper bedside cot by Tutti Bambini received bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It was the best Cot or Moses Basket category. Next2me Magic was also shortlisted. Both can be adjusted in height and can be used as a travel cot when away from home. They're also extremely light and easy to move from room to room.
Other moms love the Lua Bedside Sleeper that has an adjustable changing mat and storage area, as well as an adjustable bassinet that folds into a mini cot as well as a storage bag. Jasmine says it's the ideal size for a baby and is bigger than Moses baskets, which may feel flimsy or thin.
The iCandy Cocoon is another great alternative. It can be used as a Moses Basket, cot or travel cot. It has a pop-up changing table as well as a shelf to store books and toys, and a mesh, adjustable side that gives you a good view of your baby. It's not light, but it's easy to move and looks sleek in any bedroom.
Cost
If you're looking for a bedside sleeping device, crib or bassinet, the cost is a consideration. Many of the most well-known models are quite expensive however there are many cheaper alternatives that won't cost you a fortune. Many are available in a variety of colors and designs to suit the decor of your nursery.
The best cribs for bedside use are adjustable and can be elevated to the level of your mattress. large bedside cot have an incline position that is perfect for babies who have reflux. They can also fold away when not in use and some models have bags for travel that is ideal for new mums who frequently go out 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 when needed and some even have an end that can be lowered to allow you to lift your child toward you for feeding or soothing. 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 shortlisted for the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. It's stylish and sleek however it is a little wider than other options. It's not ideal for small spaces. It is 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 simple to move in and out of as other bedside sleepers, because the sides don't flex much and you'll have to bend over to pick up your baby.