Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. They usually have a single side that can be put down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct, 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 traveling. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be removed to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their infant during the night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.

A lot of bedside crib co sleeper cribs have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.

Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside cot newborn. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.

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

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's important to select a model that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.

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

When choosing a crib for your bedroom, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.

You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most will feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into an older baby cot for bedside.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it a great option for those who have little space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.