Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of the bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the directions were very simple. It was a simple construction. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.

Some cheap bedside cot cribs have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).

Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help calm the baby. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and cozy

A bedside travel crib crib allows you to monitor your child in the comfortable bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase airflow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the baby's position.

If you're looking for something a smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabric options to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot bedside, folding down 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 easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at travel cots or bedside travel crib cribs be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and dribbles. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks.

This is important, as it's the best bedside cots way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.

You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their infant throughout the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

When choosing a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your child is thrown out.

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 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 an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent 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 known) is attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It has a few more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with little space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.