Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is connected to the side of the bed. Some have a side that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM’s home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was “super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and easy zips.” The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you’re moving. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be removed to allow you to easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their child all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.

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

Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling factor for families. MFM’s 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and cozy

You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It’s a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby’s growth.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. There’s also an integrated set-up for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.

If you’re looking for something little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will match your decor. It’s also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It’s also a great travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a handy bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the corners.

This is vital, as it’s the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there aren’t any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.

It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it’s a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent’s side, giving parents to have easy access to their infant throughout the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.

When selecting a crib for your bedside it is important to consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt – although be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.

It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby’s feet and head don’t slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It’s also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one that was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they’re often referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

travel bedside crib is a consistently popular crib and it’s not only about its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It’s also bulkier and heavier than the other travel-friendly cribs we’ve tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

It’s simple to put together with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It’s also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other cribs we’ve used with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is great because it’s “easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding, and it’s larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out”. She also likes that it’s easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It’s also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.