Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the bed's side. They usually have a single side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be removed to allow you to easily access your baby without stepping out of the 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 want to risk co-sleeping.

Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.

Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Some bedside cot for twins cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your twin bedside cot. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn bedside cot through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you lift the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost airflow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.

If you're looking for something little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a handy bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's important to choose a product that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.

It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed it is important to consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.

You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the risk 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 also a good idea to buy a new mattress for Bedside Crib and Travel Cot your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot bedside cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk 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, and not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more features than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby bedside cot in the middle of the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.