Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for traveling.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot bedside cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.

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

The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming your baby bedside cot down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

A lot of bedside crib vs cot cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has five different height settings to match 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 known as the pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you have lifted baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.

If you're looking for something a smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabric options 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 great travel cot bedside cot that folds flat and popping into a convenient bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's important to select a model that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.

This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need a twin bedside cot crib that is comfortable for your child and Bedside Crib and Travel Cot will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.

Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.

Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, 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 cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to 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 a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son outgrows it". It's also easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with a little space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.