Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

bedside crib travel cot cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of the bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were very clear. It was a fast build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are small and simple to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes 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 zips that are easy to open." This crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be removed so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their baby throughout the night but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.

Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and help them to fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.

A lot of wooden bedside cot cribs have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside travel cot crib enables you to monitor your child in the comfort of your own bed. It's an excellent option for new mums recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate your baby's position.

If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the best bedside cot Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.

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 attached, so there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib that turns into cot crib. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

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

You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was used previously 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 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) attaches to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be removed so that you can see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other 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 an easy-to-use toolkit 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 storage space.

Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". It's also easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.