Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

bedside cot mattress cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are small and simple to set up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside cot for twins use a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their child throughout the night, but do not want to risk co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.

Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has five different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cozy and comfortable

You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the baby's position.

If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a great 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 capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's important to select a model that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.

You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.

You'll need to ensure 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 ensuring 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 purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be removed so that you can feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking bedside crib, or converting into a larger crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

It's easy to set up with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son is out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great option for those who have limited space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.