The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet style that is attached to your bed, making it safe for babies to sleep right next to you. This is a great choice if you'd like your baby to be close enough for a relaxed feedings during the early stages.
The HALO bassiNest Essentia was the winner in our top bedside cots test. It comes with a swiveling sleep surface and sidewalls that can be easily lowered. This makes it easy to reach over for comfort and ease them back to sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib is a fantastic solution for new parents who 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 which can be lifted or lowered so you can reach your child. You can also use a bedside crib to night feed your baby or to soothe them back to sleep. This is a great option particularly for mothers who have had C-sections. Bedside cots come in various sizes and designs and some even have storage. When shopping for a bedside cot be sure to verify the safety features.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot has a stylish design and is easy to assemble. Its oval-shaped design is perfect for babies who roll in their sleep. They won't be stuck in a corner like they would with a rectangular cot. This cot is also easy to fit through door frames that are standard which is a major benefit for parents with limited space.
Another good choice is the La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed. This cot is an excellent all-purpose cot, with lots 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, so it's easy to move around the house.
A high-quality bedside crib should have mesh sides that are high to prevent your child from falling out. It should also be fitted securely to your bed with no gaps or sloppy areas. Contact a professional if aren't confident in installing a crib for your bed yourself.
Ideally, baby bedside sleeper should avoid co-sleeping with your child until they're at minimum six months old. Official advice from The Lullaby Trust and the NHS is that babies should not sleep in your bed due to the danger of suffocation and overheating. However, if you need to co-sleep, 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 comes with a side which can be lifted or lowered down so that you can reach your baby quickly, without needing to get out of bed. These are the preferred choice of celeb mums such as Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and Lucy Mecklenburgh. They're perfect for those who may be unable to move after the C-section.
Our top pick, the Maxi Cosi Lora, has an opening that lets you peek at your child from the bottom of the bed. It can also be adjusted to the height of your mattress - though some mothers claimed it was difficult to move up and down. It's also among our lightest options and can be folded into a suitcase size. This makes it ideal for traveling with your baby.
The Slumber 3-in-1 is a good alternative. It can be used as a travel bassinet or cot as well as a playpen. This product was awarded the gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards within the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket, or Crib. It comes with a useful storage shelf underneath and is super-light to lift into and out of the car. Some mothers found it too big and wide to fit in tight spaces, particularly when it is used as a sleeper in bed.
Design
The best cribs for bed are sleek, stylish and modern. Some have innovative designs such as a peek-a-boo flap on the side to allow you to monitor your baby without disrupting them. Other features, like adjustable height, can be helpful for those who have difficulty getting up or down from their bed. Some sleepers can also be used as a bassinet, cot, or for reflux babies. There are also plenty of options for those who want something more traditional.
Some of our top picks are the CoZee Air from Tutti Bambini, which won bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses or 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 when away from home. They are also light and easy for you to move around.
Other moms love the Lua Bedside Sleeper that has a changing mat as well as a storage space as it also has a collapsible bassinet that turns into a mini-portable cot and a storage bag. Jasmine says that it is the ideal size for babies and is larger than Moses baskets that may feel flimsy or thin.
Another option is an alternative is the iCandy Cocoon, which can be used as an Moses basket, cot, or travel cot. It comes with a pop-up changer as well as a shelf to store books and toys, and a mesh, adjustable side that offers an excellent view of your baby. It's not the lightest, but it's easy to move and looks elegant in any bedroom.
Cost
Cost is a major aspect when looking for a crib, bassinet or bedside sleeper. Some of the most sought-after models can be expensive. However there are plenty of less expensive alternatives. Some even come in a range of different styles and colors to match the decor of your nursery.
The best bedside cribs are adjustable and can be elevated to the level of your mattress. Some models have an incline setting that is ideal for babies with reflux. They can also be folded away when not in use and some models have a travel bag included which is ideal for new mums who often go out or have guests staying in.
Bedside cots are generally slightly larger than Moses baskets, but smaller than cribs. They can be moved from one room to another, and some come with a side that can be raised to allow you to pull your child to feed them or soothe him. Some have a built-in rocker so you can soothe your little one 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. It's sleek and stylish however it is a little wider than other options. It's not ideal for small spaces. It's also fairly heavy, at more than 10kg, and requires some maneuvering to get it into the proper position. Emily from Clair de Lune notes that the sides of this mattress don't bend enough, meaning you'll need to bend to grab your baby.