Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were simple. It was a quick build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Easy to put together

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

Some bedside crib or cot cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be removed so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be close to 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 an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.

Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an attractive selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It also has five different height settings to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside cot bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides you can view your baby through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it again after you lift baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.

If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat before 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 found it straightforward to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.

This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas in which your child could 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 particularly important if you are using a bedside cot co sleeper crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

When selecting a crib for your bedroom it is important to consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.

You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This model comes with six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few features than other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son grows out of it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those who have limited space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.