bedside crib or cot Crib and Travel Cot

bedside cot co sleeper cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. They often have one side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build, and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a quick build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Easy to assemble

They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be set near 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 assemble, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside cot 6 months plus feature a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to take on the risk of Co sleeper Bedside cot-sleeping.

The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.

Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.

Many bedside cots cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, 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 known as the pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large design has an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to fit the position of your baby.

If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a convenient bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that turns into cot crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their baby throughout the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.

You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps 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 a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.