Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a quick construction. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.

Easy to assemble

They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and easy 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 cribs with a bedside cot reviews feature a side panel which can be adjusted to let you easily access your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.

Many foldable bedside crib cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.

Many bedside baby sleeper cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib travel cot crib. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.

If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, Bedside Crib and Travel Cot or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's important to select a model that can be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

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

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed it is important to consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.

Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that has been handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few more amenities than other bedside cots uk cribs we've tried including 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 in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.