The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed which allows your baby to sleep close by. This is a great option if you'd like your baby to be close enough for a relaxed feedings during the early stages.
The HALO BassiNest Essentia was crowned 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 to relax and get back to sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib is an ideal solution for new parents that wish to keep their infant close to them, but not compromise safety. This type of crib is attached to the side of your mattress. It also is movable so that you can reach out to your baby. You can use a bedside crib to night feed your baby or help them go back to sleep. This is a great option particularly for mothers who have had C-sections. Bedside cots come in a variety of sizes and styles and some even have storage. When shopping for a bedside cot make sure you check the safety features.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot is an elegant cot that is easy to put together and compact. Its oval shape is perfect for babies who roll around in their sleep. They won't end up in a corner like they would with a rectangular cot. This cot is also easy to slide through door frames that are standard, which is a big advantage for parents who are stretched out by their space.
Another good choice is the La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed. This cot is an excellent all-rounder with plenty of features to simplify parenting and have a gorgeous look. Its movable sides mean it will grow with your child and convert into a toddler bed when they're ready. It's also lightweight, which means it's 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 stop your child from falling. It should also be attached securely to your bed with no gaps or areas that are loose. Contact a professional if aren't confident in installing a crib for your bed yourself.
The ideal scenario is to avoid sleeping with your infant until they're at minimum six months old. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, advise that you do not allow your baby to sleep in your bed. This is because of the risk of overheating and suffocation. However, if bedside crib with changing table need to co-sleep in a crib, a bedside crib is the most secure option.
Size
A bedside cot, also referred to as the bassinet, is a cot that attaches to the side of your mattress. It comes with a side that can be lifted up or lowered so that you can reach your baby easily, without the need to get out of bed. These are a favourite of celeb moms such as Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and Lucy Mecklenburgh. They are ideal for mothers who be unable to move after the C-section.
Our top pick, the Maxi Cosi Lora, comes with an opening that lets you see your baby from below the bed. It can also be adjusted to the mattress's height - though some mothers claimed it was difficult to move it up and down. It's also among the most lightweight options on our list and folds down into the size of a suitcase which makes it perfect for travelling with your baby.
The Slumber 3-in-1 is a good option. It can be used as a travel cot or bassinet and also serves as a playpen. This product won the gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket, or Crib. It comes with shelves for storage and is easy to move into and out of a car. Some mothers found it too large and wide to fit into tight spaces, particularly when it is used as a sleeper on the bed.
Design
The best cribs for bed are stylish, sleek, and modern. Some cribs feature innovative designs, like an open-air flap on the sides that allow you to observe your baby without disturbing him. Other features, like adjustable height are useful for those who have difficulties getting up. Some sleepers are also suitable as an cot, bassinet or for babies with reflux. There are also plenty of options for those who want something more traditional.
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 are adjustable in height and can be used as a travel cot if you're away from home. They're also super lightweight and easy to move from room to room.
Some mums 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 babies and is bigger than Moses baskets which can feel thin or flimsy.
Another great option is another option is the iCandy Cocoon, which can be used as a Moses basket, cot, or travel cot. It has a pop-up changer as well as a shelf to store toys and books and a mesh adjustable side that allows you to have the best view of your baby. It's not the lightest one, but it's simple to move and looks sleek in any bedroom.
Cost
Cost is a major aspect when you're shopping for a crib, bassinet or bedside sleeper. Some of the most popular models are quite expensive however there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that won't cost you a fortune. Many are available with a variety of colors and designs to suit your nursery's decor.
The best cribs for bedside use can be adjusted and raised up to the height of your mattress. Some models come with an incline option that is ideal for babies suffering from reflux. They can also fold away when not in use and some models come with an included travel bag that is perfect for new mothers who often go out or have guests staying with them.
Bedside cots tend to be slightly larger than Moses baskets but smaller than cribs. They can also be moved from room to room in case you have to and some come with a side that drops down so you can lift your baby out towards you for night feeds or calming. Some come with a built-in rocker to help soothe your baby 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. The design is stylish and sleek, but it's slightly wider than some other options, meaning it's not the best fit for tight spaces. It's 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 get into and out of like other sleepers for bed, due to the sides don't flex much and you need to bend over to pick up your baby.