Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

bedside rocking crib cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the bed's side. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were extremely easy to follow. It was a simple build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.

Easy to assemble

They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.

Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position is best bedside cot uk used under supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.

A lot of cribs with a bedside crib with wheels have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.

Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key 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 as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib allows you to monitor your child from the comfortable bed. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.

If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds 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 compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with 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 drips. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.

This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces in which your child could fall down or get trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.

When choosing a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be risky if your child is thrown out.

Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that has been handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) is attached 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 standalone crib during the day. They usually include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down all night, which gives you the closeness 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 or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings, as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.

Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.