Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the directions were extremely clear. It was a simple build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

bedside crib or cot cribs are generally easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.

Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling feature for 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 versatile enough for travelling. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfy

You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the best bedside cot Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large model with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.

If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the best bedside cots Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, however it is still compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

When selecting a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care because it could be risky if your child is thrown out.

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

It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot bedside, rather than using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other travel-friendly cribs we've tested, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable 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 this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son is out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.