Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

bedside rocking crib cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is 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 tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were clear. It was a fast construction. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some Bedside Travel Crib cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.

A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or bedside Travel crib standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib or cot crib enables you to watch your baby from the comfort of your own bed. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side however it is still small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It's important to select a model that is easily removed and partially dismantled so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.

It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside cot 6 months plus crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with extra features you might find useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although remember 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 make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your 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 the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed so that you can see your baby and touch the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and Bedside Travel Crib heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

The instructions are easy to follow 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 fabrics. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also likes the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with little space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.