Beware Of These "Trends" Concerning Best Bedside Cots
The Best Bedside Cots
A bedside cot is a bassinet-style crib that is attached to your bed and allows your baby to sleep close by. This is a great option for parents who want their infant to be close for fuss-free feeds in the beginning stages.
The HALO BassiNest Essentia was crowned our top bedside cot test, with an adjustable sleeping surface that can be swiveled and sidewalls that slide down effortlessly. This makes it easy to reach over to relax and get to sleep.
Safety
A bedside cot is the ideal solution for new parents who wish to keep their infant close without sacrificing security. This type of cot is attached to the side of your mattress and has a moveable end that you can reach out to your baby. You can use the crib as a night time feeding station or to help soothe your baby back to sleep. This is a fantastic option, especially for mothers who have had C-sections. Bedside cots can be found in a variety of styles and sizes, and some even come with storage. If you're shopping for a bedside cot make sure you check out the safety features to be sure it is safe for your baby.
The Boori Oasis Oval Cot has elegant design and is easy to put together. Its oval shape is perfect for babies who like to roll in their sleep. They won't be confined in a corner like they would with an oblong cot. The cot is also easy to fit through standard door frames which is a huge plus for space-stretched new parents.
La Redoute Willox adjustable Cot Bed is another good alternative. This cot has a lot of features that make parenting easier, and it looks great. 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 quality crib for your bed should have mesh sides that are high to stop your child from falling out. It should also be fitted securely to your bed with no gaps or areas that are loose. If you're unsure about fitting a bedside cot by yourself you can ask a professional to complete the task for you.
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 should not let your infant sleep in your bed. This is due to the possibility of suffocation and overheating. If you do 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 which attaches to the sides of your mattress. It has a side that can be raised or lowered so that you can reach your baby without needing to leave the bed. Celebrity moms like Stacey Solomon Binky Felstead, and Lucy Mecklenburgh are awestruck by these. They are great for those who are unable to move after a C-section.
Our top pick, the Maxi Cosi Lora, comes with a peekaboo flap that lets you view your baby from below the bed. It can also be adjusted to the height of your mattress - 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 it folds down to an ideal size for a suitcase, making it ideal for travelling with your baby.
Another option that is great is the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1, which transforms into a travel cot, bassinet and playpen. It even won our 2021 Mother&Baby Award gold medal in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It has a handy storage shelf beneath and is extremely light to lift in and out of the car. Some mothers found it too big and wide to fit into tight spaces, especially when it was used as a bed by the bed.
Design
The best cribs for bed are stylish, sleek and modern. Some have innovative designs, like a peek-a-boo flap on the side, to help you check in on baby without disrupting them. Other features, such as adjustable height, are helpful when your child has difficulty getting up and down from their bed. Some sleepers are also suitable as an cot, bassinet or for babies with reflux. If you're looking for something a bit more traditional There are plenty of options to choose from as well.
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 come with adjustable heights, and can be converted into a travel cot that can be used for use away from home. rocking bedside crib are also lightweight and easy to move around.
Some mums prefer the Lua Bedside sleeper, which includes a changing mat, storage space and a collapsible bassinet for babies that can be converted into portable mini cot. It also comes with an organizer bag. Jasmine says it's the perfect size for a newborn and is larger than Moses baskets, which can feel flimsy or thin.
Another option that is great is an alternative is the iCandy Cocoon, which can be used as a Moses basket, cot, or travel cot. It comes with a pop-up changing table as well as a shelf to store books and toys, and an adjustable mesh side that allows you to see your baby. It's not light but it's easy to move around and looks great in any bedroom.
Cost
If you're looking for a bedside sleeper, crib or bassinet, the cost is a consideration. Some of the most popular models are expensive but there are plenty of lower-cost alternatives that won't cost a fortune. Many come in a variety of styles and colors to match your nursery decor.
The best cribs for beds are adjustable and can be elevated to the level of your mattress. Some also have an incline position that is great for babies with reflux. Some models come with a travel bag and fold up when not in use. This is great for new mothers who are constantly on the go or have guests coming over.
Bedside cots are generally slightly bigger than Moses baskets, but smaller than cribs. They can be moved from one room to another, while others have a side that can be lowered to allow you to pull your child towards you to feed them or soothe him. Some models also come with built-in rockers so you can soothe your baby to sleep.
Clair de Lune, a mid-priced baby model, was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. It's stylish and sleek, but slightly wider than other options. It's not ideal for small spaces. It is also a bit heavy, weighing over 10kg and requires some maneuvering to put it in place it. Emily from Clair de Lune notes that the sides of this sleeper don't stretch as much, which means you have to bend to pick up your baby.