Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

bedside co sleeper cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. They usually have one side that can be lowered down for easy access and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.

Easy to put together

They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be set close to 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." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.

Some bedside travel cot cribs have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their baby during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.

Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be very comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.

A lot of cribs with a bedside cot sale have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm the baby. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

Some amazon bedside cot cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling point for families. The Joie Roomie is 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 also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and cozy

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 choice for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.

If you're looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabrics that will match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a good 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 but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and drips. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the corners.

This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.

You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib vs cot 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 child at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.

Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.

You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that was passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs in 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 have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when it's stored.

The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last 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 durable and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.