Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. They often come with a side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the directions were very simple. It was a quick build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib and 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 for bedside use an additional side panel that can be removed so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their baby at night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and cozy

A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your baby from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. The cosiest cribs come with 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 associated risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best bedside cot for newborn Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a convenient 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 to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at bedside crib with wheels cribs and travel cots, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and spills. It's important to choose a product that is easily removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.

Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.

It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall 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 was passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib has six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.

It's easy to set up with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It is also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with little space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.