Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They typically have a single side that can be put down for easy reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It 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 easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their baby 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 a built-in rocking function. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.

A lot of bedside co sleeper cribs have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.

Some cribs that are bedside baby bed can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an attractive selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cozy and comfortable

You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have fears of their child falling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.

If you're looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabrics to fit your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the best bedside cot for newborn Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still quite compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's important to choose one that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.

You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their child during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

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

You'll want 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 won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot for bedside, rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market 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

The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.

It's simple to put together with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.