bedside co sleeper cot Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They typically come with a side that can be put down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.

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

Easy to assemble

They are small and bedside co sleeper cot easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside crib with wheels have 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 mothers or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).

Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Many bedside co sleeper cot cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cozy and comfortable

You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their baby falling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.

If you're looking for something little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabric options to fit your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds 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 somewhat larger, however it is still compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cot reviews cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.

Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.

You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for bedside co sleeper cot SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

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

It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more extras than some of the other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy 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 handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.