The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to your own bed, making it safe for baby to sleep close by. This is a great choice to allow your baby to be near for peaceful feedings during the early stages.
The HALO BassiNest Essentia won our top bedside cot test, offering an adjustable sleeping surface that can be swiveled and sidewalls that slide down without difficulty. This makes it easier to reach out for comfort and ease them back to sleep.
Safety
A bedside cot is an ideal solution for parents who wish to keep their infant close without sacrificing safety. The crib is attached to one side of your mattress. It also has a moveable end that you can reach out to your baby. You can use a crib for your bed to feed your baby at night or soothe them to sleep. This is a fantastic option especially for mothers who have had C-sections. Bedside cots come in a variety of styles and sizes, and some even include storage. If you're in the market for a bedside cot, be sure to check the safety features to be sure it's safe for your child.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot has an attractive design and is easy to put together. Its oval-shaped design is perfect for babies who roll in their sleep. They won't end up in a corner like they would with the rectangular cot. This cot is also easy to slide through door frames that are standard which is a huge plus for space-stretched new parents.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is a good option. This cot is an ideal all-rounder, with plenty of features to 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 arrives. It's also light, so it is easy to move around.
A crib with a high mesh side is a nice feature to put on a bedside crib . This will keep your baby from falling. It should also be fitted securely to your bed with no gaps or loose areas. If you're unsure about fitting a bedside cot by yourself you can ask a professional to install it for you.
Sleeping in a co-sleeper 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 shouldn't sleep in your bed because of the risk of suffocation or overheating. However, if you need to co-sleep in a crib, a crib that is placed near your bed is the best option.
Size
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet cot that is fixed to the side of your bed. It features a side that is able to be raised or lowered to allow you to reach your baby without needing to get out of bed. They are a favorite of celeb mums such as Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and Lucy Mecklenburgh. They are perfect for those who may have limited mobility after a C-section.
Our top pick, the Maxi-Cosi Lora, comes with an opening that lets you see your baby from the bottom of the bed and it adjusts to the height of your mattress - though some mothers said it was tricky to move up and down. It's also among our lightest options that can fold into a suitcase-sized bag. This makes it perfect for travel with your baby.
The Slumber 3-in-1 is a great option. It can be used as a travel bassinet or cot as well as a playpen. This product won the gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards within the category of the Best Cot or Moses Basket or Crib. It has a storage shelf and is easy to move into and out of a car. However, some mums thought it was a bit too large and wide for small spaces, particularly when it is used as a bedside sleeping device.
Design
The best cribs for bed will be modern, sleek and stylish. Some are designed with innovative features, like a peek-a-boo flap on the side, to help you check in on baby without disrupting them. Other features, like adjustable height, are helpful if your partner has trouble getting up and down from bed. Some sleepers are also suitable as a bassinet, cot, or for babies with reflux. If you're looking for something a bit more traditional there are a lot of options to choose from as well.
The CoZee Air 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 have adjustable heights and can be transformed into a travel cot that can be used for use outside of the home. They are also light and easy for you to move around.
Some mothers prefer the Lua Bedside sleeper, which includes a changing mat, storage space and a collapsible baby bassinet that can be converted into a portable mini cot. It also comes with a storage bag. Jasmine says it's the ideal size for a newborn and is bigger than Moses baskets, which can seem flimsy and thin.
Another option is the iCandy Cocoon, which can be used as a Moses basket, cot, or travel cot. It has a pop-up changer and a shelf that is perfect for books and toys, and a mesh, adjustable side that offers a good view of your baby. It's not lightweight however it's easy to move around and looks fantastic in any bedroom.
Cost
Cost will be an important aspect when you're looking for a crib, bassinet or bedside sleeper. Some of the most popular models are costly however there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that won't cost you a fortune. Many come in a variety of styles and colors to match your nursery decor.
The most effective bedside cots come with adjustable sides and can be raised to match the height of your bed. Some models have an incline setting that is ideal for babies suffering from reflux. They can also be folded when not in use, and some models come with an included travel bag that is perfect for mothers who frequently go out or have guests staying with them.
Bedside cots are generally slightly larger than Moses baskets but smaller than cribs. Some can be moved from one place to another, while others have a side that can be raised to allow you to lift your child towards you to feed them or calm him. Some models also come with built-in rockers so you can soothe your little one to sleep.
The Clair de Lune is a mid-priced model that was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. The design is sleek and elegant however, it's a bit larger than other options, so it might not be the best fit for tight 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 get into and out of as some other bedside sleepers, because the sides aren't flexible enough and you have to bend to pick up your baby.