Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a simple build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

Easy to assemble

They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed next 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 construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby bedside sleeper, and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for Bedside Crib and Travel Cot being simple to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfy

You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside cots for newborns crib. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to accommodate your baby's position.

If you're looking for something little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabric options to fit your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a 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 simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.

This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a twin bedside cot crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom it is important to consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.

It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with 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 secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking or even converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just because of its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other portable cribs we've tried and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking bedside crib function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also likes how easy it is to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.