Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

bedside baby bed cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the bed's side. They typically have a single side that can be put down for easy access and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be set close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their baby at night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.

Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.

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

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cozy and comfortable

A bedside crib lets you to monitor your baby in the comfortable bed. 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 night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have a fear of their baby falling off the edge 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, but it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib according to your baby's preferred position.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.

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, but is still quite small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cot bedside cots make sure they come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. It's also a good idea to choose one that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.

You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.

Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.

It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that was handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside cots uk crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, 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, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive 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 handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other 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 can be set on divans, making it a great option for those with a little space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.