The 10 Scariest Things About Best Bedside Cots
The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside crib is a bassinet style that is attached to your bed and allows your babies to sleep right next to you. This is an ideal option when you want your little one to be close for feedings that aren't a hassle in the early stages.
The HALO bassiNest Essentia is the winner of our best bedside cots test. It has a swiveling sleep surface and sidewalls which can be lowered easily. This makes it easy to reach out for comfort and ease them to sleep.
Safety
A bedside cot is the ideal solution for parents who wish to keep their infant close to them without sacrificing security. This type of cot 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 crib for your bed to night feed your baby bedside crib or to soothe them back to sleep. This is a great option particularly for mothers who have had C-sections. Bedside cots are available in various sizes and designs and some even have storage. When you are looking for a cot for your bedside make sure you check the safety features.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot is an elegant cot that is easy to build and compact. Its oval shape is ideal for babies who roll in their sleep. They won't be stuck in a corner like they would with the rectangular cot. It is also able to slide through doors with standard frames which is a major benefit for parents with limited space.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is another great alternative. This cot is a great all-rounder with lots of features to make parenting easier and a gorgeous look. Its adjustable sides let it grow with your child and later transform into a toddler's bed once the time arrives. It's also light, so it's easy to move around the house.
A high-quality bedside crib should have high mesh sides to prevent your baby from falling out. It should be fitted securely to your bed with no gaps or sloppy areas. Consult a professional if are not confident in installing a crib on your bed.
It is recommended to avoid sleeping with your baby until they're at least six months old. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, advise that you don't let your infant sleep in your bed. This is due to the risk of suffocation and overheating. If you have to sleep with your child, a crib placed at the bedside rocking crib is the ideal alternative.
Size
A bedside cot, also referred to as the bassinet is a cot that attaches to the side of your mattress. It is a side that can be adjusted so that you can reach your baby without needing to leave the bed. They are a favorite of famous moms like Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead and Lucy Mecklenburgh. They are perfect for those who may have a 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 below the bed and it adjusts to the height of your mattress - although some mums said it was tricky to move it up and down. It's also one of the lightest options on our list and it folds down to the size of a suitcase which makes it perfect for traveling with your child.
Another great option is the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which transforms into a travel cot, bassinet and playpen. It also won our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards gold medal in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It comes with a storage shelf and is easy to lift into and out of a car. Some mothers considered it to be too large and wide to fit in tight spaces, particularly when it is used as a sleeper on the bed.
Design
The best cribs for bed will be modern, sleek and stylish. Some cribs have innovative designs, like an open-air flap on the sides that let you check on your baby without disturbing him. Other features like adjustable height are beneficial for those who have difficulties getting up. These sleepers can also be used as a cot or bassinet and some even have incline positions for reflux babies. There are plenty of options if you want something more traditional.
The CoZee Air by Tutti Bambini won bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It was the best Cot or Moses Basket category. Next2me Magic was also shortlisted. Both have adjustable height, and can be turned into a travel cot to use when away from home. They are also lightweight and easy to move around.
Some mums prefer the Lua bedside crib with wheels sleeper, which includes a changing mat, storage area and a baby bassinet that can be folded that can be converted into portable mini cot. It also comes with a storage bag. Jasmine says it's the perfect size for a newborn and is more substantial than Moses baskets, which may appear flimsy or fragile.
Another great option is the iCandy Cocoon, which can be used as an Moses basket, cot, or travel bedside crib cot. It has a pop-up changer, a handy shelf for toys and books and a mesh adjustable side that offers a good view of your baby. It's not the tiniest, but it's easy to move around and looks stylish in any bedroom.
Cost
Cost will be an important aspect when looking for a crib, bassinet or bedside sleeper. Many of the most sought-after models are expensive however there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that won't cost you a fortune. Many come in a variety of styles and colors to complement the decor of your nursery.
The best bedside cots have adjustable sides and can be adjusted to match the bed's height. Some have an incline setting that is ideal for babies who suffer from reflux. Some models come with a carry-on bag and fold up when not in use. This is great for mothers who are often traveling or having guests coming over.
Bedside cots are generally smaller than Moses baskets, but are smaller than cribs. They can also be moved from room to if you need to, and some have a side that drops down so you can lift your baby out towards you for night feeds or to soothe. Some have a built in rocker that can help soothe your baby to sleep.
Clair de Lune, a mid-priced baby model, was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. The design is stylish and sleek however, it's a bit larger than some of the other options, meaning it's not the best choice for small bedside cot spaces. It is also quite heavy at more than 10kg, and requires some maneuvering to place it. Emily from Clair de Lune notes that the sides of this sleeper don't flex enough, meaning you'll have to bend down to pick up your baby.