bedside crib and travel cot (Recommended Looking at)

4-in-1 bedside crib cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build, and the instructions were easy to follow. It was a quick build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.

Easy to put together

They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.

Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their child during the night, but don't wish to take the risk of co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping.

Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib enables you to monitor your child from the comfortable bed. It's an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you have lifted baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated reflux setting and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib according to your baby's preferred position.

If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a fantastic 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 but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.

You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom, you should also consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but be aware that you should only use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.

You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib with wheels crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to see your baby and hold him. Some have the option to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.

Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.