The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet style crib that attaches directly to your bed. This allows baby to rest peacefully close to you. This is a great solution for parents who want their child to be close for fuss-free feedings during the early stages.
The HALO bassiNest Essentia was the winner of our best bedside cots test. It has an adjustable sleep surface that can be swiveled and sidewalls which can be easily lowered. This makes it easier to reach out for comfort and ease them to sleep.
Safety
A bedside cot is the ideal solution for new parents who wish to keep their infant close but not sacrifice safety. The crib is attached to one side of your mattress. It is movable so that you can reach out to your baby. It can be used as a night-time feeding station or to help soothe your baby back to sleep. This is a great choice especially for mothers who have had C-sections. Bedside cots come in various sizes and styles and some even have storage. If you're shopping for a bedside cot, ensure you look over the safety features to make sure it's safe for your child.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot is a stylish-looking cot that's easy to build and compact. Its oval shape is perfect for babies who roll in their sleep. They won't end up in a corner as they would with a rectangular cot. It is also able to fit through doors with standard frames, which is a big plus for space-stretched new parents.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is another good alternative. The cot comes with a variety of features that make parenting easier, and it looks great. Its adjustable sides let it grow with your child, and then transform into an infant's bed when the time comes. It is also lightweight so it's easy to move around.
A good quality bedside crib should have a high mesh side to stop your baby from falling out. It should also be fitted securely to your bed with no gaps or areas that are loose. If you're not confident about installing a bedside cot on your own, ask a professional to complete the task for you.
The ideal scenario is to avoid co-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 infant sleep in your bed. This is because of the possibility of suffocation and overheating. If you must co-sleep with your child, a crib at the bedside is the best option.
Size
A bedside cot, also referred to as bassinet is a cot that is attached to the side of your mattress. It is a side that can be adjusted to allow you to reach your baby without having to get out of bed. They are a favorite of famous moms like Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and Lucy Mecklenburgh and are perfect for those who may have limited mobility after the C-section.
The Maxi-Cosi is our top choice. It has a peekaboo feature that allows you to view your baby at the bottom of the mattress. It also adjusts to your mattress height but some mothers have complained about the difficulty of moving it up and down. It's also one of the lightest options we've seen and folds down to the size of a suitcase, making it ideal to travel with your child.
Another great 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 award in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It comes with a useful storage shelf beneath and is super-light to lift into and out of the car. However, some mothers found it a bit long and wide for tight spaces, particularly when used as a bedside mattress.
Design
The best cribs for your bed are sleek, stylish and modern. Some cribs come with innovative designs, like a peek-a-boo flap on the sides that allow you to observe your baby without disturbing him. Other features like adjustable height are beneficial if your partner is having difficulties getting up. These sleepers can be used as a bassinet or cot, and some have an incline position for babies who are reflux. If you're seeking something more traditional, there are plenty of options to choose from as well.
Some of our top picks are the CoZee Air from Tutti Bambini that won bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards ' Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category and the Next2me Magic was shortlisted in that same category. Both are adjustable in height and can be used as a travel cot while away from home. They are also light and easy for you to move around.
Some moms prefer the Lua Bedside sleeper that comes with a changing mat, storage area and a collapsible bassinet for babies that can be transformed into an e-couch that can be carried around. It also comes with an organizer bag. Jasmine says it's the perfect size for infants and is bigger than Moses baskets that may feel flimsy or thin.
Another option that is great is the iCandy Cocoon, which can be used as a Moses basket, cot or travel cot. best bedside cot for newborn has a pop-up changer, a handy shelf for toys and books 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 and looks sleek in any bedroom.
Cost
If you're shopping for a bedside sleeper bassinet or crib, cost is a consideration. Some of the most popular models are costly however there are many cheaper alternatives that won't cost you a fortune. There are a variety of styles and colors to match 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 ideal for babies who have reflux. They can also fold away when not in use and some models even have bags for travel that is perfect for mothers who are often out and about or have guests staying with them.
Bedside cots are generally a little bigger than Moses baskets, but smaller than cribs. They can be moved from one place to another, and some have a side which can be lowered to allow you to lift your baby towards you to feed them or comfort him. Some models come with a built-in rocker to soothe your baby to sleep.
The Clair de Lune is a mid-priced option 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 some of the other options, which means it may not be the ideal choice for small spaces. It's also quite heavy at over 10kg and requires some maneuvering to position it. Emily from Clair de Lune also notes that it's not as easy to get into and out of like other beds for sleepers, as the sides don't move much and you have to bend over to scoop your baby up.
