Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a simple construction. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside crib co sleeper use a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help calm them down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.

Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfy

You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.

If you're looking for something a little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabrics to complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a great 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 bedside sleeper Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while 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 choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their child at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside travel cot crib is whether it has any extra features you might find useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.

You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A wooden bedside cot crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be removed to let you see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn bedside cot however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

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, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more 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 assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also simple to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.

Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with a limited space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.