Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the bed's side. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and Bedside Crib and Travel Cot the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.

Easy to put together

They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be removed to let you easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their infant at night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.

Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.

Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.

Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an attractive selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements though). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the best bedside cot for newborn Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to fit your baby's position.

If you're looking for something smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics that will match your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, however it is still small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and spills. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside cots for newborns crib is whether it has any extra features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be risky if your child is thrown out.

It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside travel crib crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be removed to let you be able to see your baby and hold him. Some have the option to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings, as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.