The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style crib that attaches directly to your bed. This lets your baby rest peacefully close to you. This is an ideal option for parents who want their little one to be close by for feedings that aren't a hassle during the first few months of.
The HALO bassiNest Essentia was the winner of our top bedside cots test. It has a swiveling sleep surface and sidewalls which can be easily lowered. This allows you to easily reach out and feel comfortable.
Safety
A bedside crib is a great solution for new parents that want to keep their child close to them, but not compromise security. This type of cot fixes to the side of your bed and has a single end that can be lifted or lowered down so that you can reach your little one. It can be used as a night time feeding station or to help soothe your baby back to sleep. It's also a great option for mums who have had a C-section. Bedside cots come in various sizes and styles and some even have storage. If you're looking for a bedside cot, ensure you look over the safety features to be sure it is safe for your child.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot has an attractive design and is easy to put together. Its oval shape is perfect for babies who roll in their sleep. They won't be confined in a corner as they would with the rectangular cot. It is also able to slide through doors with standard frames which is a huge advantage for parents who are stretched out by their space.
Another good choice is the La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed. This cot is a great all-rounder, with plenty of features to make parenting easier and a gorgeous look. Its movable sides mean it will grow with your child, and then transform into an infant bed when they're ready. It is also lightweight so it is easy to move around.
A crib with a high mesh side is a good feature to have at the bedside of a crib. This will keep your child from falling. It should also be attached securely to your bed with no gaps or loose areas. If you're unsure about installing a bedside cot on your own you can ask a professional to do it for you.
Co-sleeping is not recommended until your baby is at least six months old age. The official advice from the Lullaby Trust and the NHS is that infants should not be sleeping in your bed because of the risk of suffocation and overheating. However, if you have to co-sleep in a crib, a bedside crib is the most secure option.
Size
A bedside cot, also referred to as bassinet is a cot that attaches to the sides of your mattress. It is a side that can be adjusted to allow you to reach your baby without having to leave the bed. Famous moms like Stacey Solomon Binky Felstead, and Lucy Mecklenburgh love these. They are ideal for those who have limited mobility following a C-section.
Our top pick, the Maxi-Cosi Lora, comes with an opening that lets you peek at your child from the bottom of the bed and it adjusts to the height of your mattress however some moms have complained that it was difficult to move it up and down. It's also one of the lightest options we've seen and it folds down to a suitcase-sized package which makes it perfect for travelling with your baby.
Another option is the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which converts into a bassinet, travel cot and playpen - it even was awarded our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards gold medal in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It comes with a useful storage shelf beneath and is extremely light to lift into and out of the car. However, some mothers thought it was a bit too large and wide for small spaces, especially when used as a bedside sleeper.
Design
The best bedside cribs are sleek, stylish and modern. Some are designed with innovative features including a peek-aboo flap on the side to let you observe your baby without disrupting them. Other features, like adjustable height, are helpful for those who have difficulty getting up and down from their bed. rocking bedside crib can also be used as a bassinet, cot, or for babies who have reflux. There are plenty of options if you want something more traditional.
The CoZee Air by Tutti Bambini received bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot or Moses Basket category. Next2me Magic was also shortlisted. Both have adjustable height, and can be turned into a travel cot for use away from home. They are also light and easy for you to move around.
Some mothers prefer the Lua Bedside sleeper that comes with a changing mat, storage space and a collapsible bassinet for babies that can be converted into portable mini cot. It also comes with an organizer bag. Jasmine says it's the perfect size for newborns and is bigger than Moses baskets, which are often flimsy or thin.
The iCandy Cocoon is another great option. It can be used as a Moses Basket, cot or travel cot. It comes with a pop-up changer, a handy shelf for books and toys and a mesh adjustable side that allows you to have a good view of your baby. It's not light but it's easy to move around and looks fantastic in any bedroom.
Cost
Cost is a major factor when you are searching 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. Many are available in a range of different colors and designs to suit the decor of your nursery.
The most comfortable bedside cots have adjustable sides and can be raised to match the height of your bed. Some models come with an incline option which is ideal for babies who suffer 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 with them.
Bedside cots tend to be a little bigger than Moses baskets, but smaller than cribs. Some can be moved from one place to another, while others have a side that can be adjusted to allow you to lift your baby towards you to feed them or calm them. Some come with a built-in rocker to help soothe your baby 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. bedside rocking crib is stylish and sleek however it's a little wider than some other options, meaning it's not the best choice for small spaces. It's also quite heavy, at more than 10kg, and will require a lot of maneuvering to get it in the right position. Emily from Clair de Lune also notes that it's not as simple to get into and out of as other beds for sleepers, as the sides don't flex much and you'll have to bend over to pick up your baby.