The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet style that is attached to your bed, making it safe for infants to sleep close. This is a great choice if you'd like your baby to be close for fuss-free feedings during the early stages.
The HALO bassiNest Essentia was the winner in our top bedside cots test. It has an adjustable sleep surface and sidewalls that can be easily lowered. This makes it easy to reach to relax and get to sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib is a great solution for new parents that wish to keep their infant 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 so you can reach your child. You can use the crib as a night time feeding station or to help soothe your baby back to sleep. It's also a great option for mothers who've had C-sections. Bedside cots come in various sizes and designs and some come with storage. When choosing an upholstered cot for your bedside be sure to verify the safety features.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot has a stylish design and is simple to put together. The oval shape is perfect for babies who roll around in their sleep, since it means that they won't be stuck in the corner like they would with the rectangular crib. This cot can also be easily fitted into doors that have standard frames. This is an excellent feature for parents who are tight on space.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is another good option. It comes with a number of features that make parenting easier and it looks stunning. Its adjustable sides allow it to grow with your child, and then convert into an infant's bed when the time arrives. It is also lightweight so it's easy to move around.
A high mesh crib side is a nice feature to put on a bedside crib. This will prevent your baby from falling. It should be fitted securely to your bed, with no gaps or loose areas. If you're not sure about fitting a bedside cot yourself, ask a professional to install it for you.
Ideally, you should 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 let your newborn sleep in your bed. This is because of the danger of overheating and suffocation. However, if you need to sleep with your partner, a crib that is placed near your bed is the best option.
Size
A bedside cot, also known as the bassinet is a cot that is attached to the side of your mattress. It is a side that can be lowered or raised to let you reach your baby without having to leave the bed. These are the preferred choice of famous moms like Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and Lucy Mecklenburgh. They're ideal for parents who have a limited mobility following a C-section.
Our top choice, the Maxi-Cosi Lora, has a peekaboo flap that lets you view your baby from below the bed. It also adjusts to the mattress's height - though some mothers claimed it was difficult to move it up and down. It's also one of our lightest choices and folds into a suitcase-sized package. This makes it perfect for travel with your baby.
The Slumber 3-in-1 is a great option. It can be used as a portable cot or bassinet, and it also doubles as playpen. The product was awarded the gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the Best Cot or Moses Basket, or Crib. It comes with an adjustable shelf for storage and is easy to lift into and out of a car. However, some mums thought it was a bit too large and wide for small areas, particularly when used as a bedside sleeper.
Design
The best cribs for bed are sleek, stylish and modern. Some come with innovative designs, like a peek-a-boo flap on the side to allow you to observe your baby without disrupting them. Other features such as adjustable heights are helpful if your partner is having difficulty getting out of bed. Some sleepers are also suitable as a bassinet, cot or for babies who have reflux. If you're seeking something more traditional, there are plenty of options as well.
Some of our top picks are the CoZee Air from Tutti Bambini which was awarded bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Award Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category as well as the Next2me Magic shortlisted in the same category. Both can be adjusted 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 to room.
Some mothers prefer the Lua Bedside sleeper that comes with a changing mat, storage area and a baby bassinet that can be folded that can be converted into an e-couch that can be carried around. It also comes with a storage bag. Jasmine says it's the perfect size for newborns and is bigger than Moses baskets that may feel flimsy or thin.
The iCandy Cocoon is another great option. It can be used as a Moses Basket or a cot for travel. It has a pop-up changing table as well as a shelf to store books and toys, and a mesh, adjustable side that offers the best view of your baby. It's not lightweight but it's easy to move around and looks great in any bedroom.
Cost
If you're shopping for a bedside sleeping device, bassinet or crib, cost will be a factor. Many of the most sought-after models are costly but there are plenty of lower-cost alternatives that won't cost a fortune. They are available with a variety of colors and designs to suit your nursery decor.
The best bedside cribs can be adjusted and elevated to the level of your mattress. Some have an inclined position that is perfect for babies suffering from reflux. They can also be folded when not in use, and some models come with bags for travel that is perfect for mothers who are often out and about or have guests staying over.
Bedside cots are typically slightly larger than Moses baskets, but they are smaller than cribs. They can be moved from room to if you need to and some come with the side that lowers to allow you to lift your baby out towards you for night feeds or to soothe. bedside crib with wheels come with a built-in rocker that can help soothe your baby to sleep.
The Clair de Lune is a mid-priced model that was nominated in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. It's sleek and stylish however it is a little wider than other options. It's probably not ideal for small spaces. It's also quite heavy, at more than 10kg, and requires a lot of maneuvering to get it in the proper position. Emily from Clair de Lune notes that the sides of this mattress don't bend as much, so you'll have to bend down to pick up your baby.