Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

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

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were extremely clear. It was a simple construction. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are on the smaller side to are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside crib that turns into cot feature an additional side panel that can be removed to let you easily access your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their baby during the night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.

Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.

A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.

Some cribs that are bedside crib or cot can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is a big selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cozy and comfortable

You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you have lifted baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. Plus, bedside crib there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the baby bedside crib's position.

If you're looking for something little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabric options to fit your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage.

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 put together, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.

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

You'll also need to ensure 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 for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.

Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.

You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bedside crib bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby bedside cot easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep 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 will also convert into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.

The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.