Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are small and simple to set up, so they can be placed near 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 straightforward to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.

Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be removed so that you can easily access your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).

Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.

Most cribs with a bedside cots uk come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

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. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside travel crib crib. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.

If you're looking for something a little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics to match your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a handy bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&baby bedside co sleeper Awards, is also on the larger side however it is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also select one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could fall down or get trapped.

You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their infant at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.

Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with extra features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.

You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that was given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.

It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.

Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also likes the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.