Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

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

MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were very simple. It was a fast construction. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for traveling.

Easy to assemble

They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cheap bedside cot cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their infant throughout the night but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a comforting experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help calm them down. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.

Many cribs for bedside cots use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another popular choice, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside baby sleeper crib. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby up to you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their baby falling 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 bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib according to your baby's preferred position.

If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby 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 about the zips.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib to cot crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.

You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as rocking Bedside crib, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when it's stored.

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

Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it a great option for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.