Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

bedside co sleeper cribs look similar to the bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It also folds down into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be lowered to allow you to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).

Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing 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 feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother&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 also has 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your little one from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off 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 it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.

If you're looking for something smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabrics that will match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to look up the instructions. It is also a great 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 Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.

It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside cot crib crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.

When choosing a crib for your bedroom take into consideration whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but be aware that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your child falls out.

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 risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib co sleeper crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. They usually have a side panel which can be removed to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other portable cribs we've tried and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few features than other bedside cots uk cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.