bedside crib and travel cot (Click That Link)

Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. They often have a single side that can be put down for easy access, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together 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 convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.

Some bedside travel cot cribs have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their infant at night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm them down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby bedside co sleeper.

Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was nominated for 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 bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you take the baby out. This is better 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 clip on to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.

If you're looking for something a smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics to complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the best bedside cot uk Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, however it is still compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought 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 in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and spills. It's important to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the corners and crevices for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or spaces in which your child could slide down or become trapped.

It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.

You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bedside crib bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the risk 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 buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Versatile

A bedside cot newborn crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be removed so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving 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 have extra features like rocking, tilting (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 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. It comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few more extras than some of the other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves the ease of clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those who have small space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.