Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the side of your bed. Some have an end 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 found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.

Easy to assemble

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

Some cribs for bedside crib that turns into cot use a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be very comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Many cribs for bedside cots use 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 as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll 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 straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases 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 to suit the preferred position of your baby.

If you're looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&baby bedside cot Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to select a model that is easily removed and partially dismantled 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. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.

You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.

It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib to cot crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek, bedside crib travel cot modern design. This one has six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.

It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great option for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.