Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot bedside that can be attached to the bed's side. They usually have one side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

bedside travel cot cribs are typically simple to set up and are on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. 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 cot and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).

Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.

A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.

Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an attractive selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have fears of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the 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 be accommodated). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. 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 are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat before slipping into a handy bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still relatively compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although 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 with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and spills. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.

This is crucial, since it's the best bedside cot for newborn way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their child during the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

When selecting a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.

You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any 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 handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside travel cot crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older baby cot.

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

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those with little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.