Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

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

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.

Easy to assemble

They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their child during the night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.

A lot of cribs with a bedside co sleeper have a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.

Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside cot sale crib. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase airflow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.

If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still relatively small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

If you're considering bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to select a model that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become 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 bed. This is especially important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.

Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.

You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib with changing table crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little 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 easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great 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.