Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the bed's side. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were simple. It was a quick build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be lowered so that you can easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.

Many foldable bedside crib cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at night or Bedside Crib and Travel Cot change their nappies without getting out of bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated reflux setting and Bedside Crib and Travel Cot an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.

If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.

This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.

You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.

You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot bedside for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. It comes with six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.

It's simple to put together with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also simple to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby bedside sleeper in the middle the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer time before my son grows out". She also loves the ease of clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.