Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. 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 simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their child all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.

A lot of cribs with a bedside crib travel have a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

Some cribs that are bedside co sleeper can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfortable

You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby up to you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides you can view your baby through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their baby falling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.

If you're looking for something little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a handy bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still relatively small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

If you're considering travel cots and 4-in-1 bedside crib cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

Another thing to think about when choosing a wooden bedside cot crib is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.

You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was passed down 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 have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Versatile

A bedside cot for twins crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed to let you be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

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

The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of 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 the ease of clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with a little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.