Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. bedside sleeper cot folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being “super easy to build, with clear instructions and simple zips.” The crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be lowered to let you easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their child throughout the night, but don’t want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie, 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 that makes it travel-friendly. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib allows you to watch your child in the comfort of your own bed. It’s the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby’s growth.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements however). 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 concerned about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can accommodate). It’s a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase air flow. In addition, there’s an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to fit the position of your baby.

If you’re looking for something a smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabric options to complement your decor. It’s also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It’s also a good travel cot, which 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 somewhat larger, however it is still compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did feel 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 cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It’s also a good idea to choose one that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.

You’ll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important when you’re using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent’s bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.

When choosing a crib for your bedside take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.

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 head and feet won’t fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.

It’s a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they’re sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can feel your baby’s hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it’s not just about its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It’s also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when stored.

The instructions are simple and there’s a useful toolkit to aid you. It’s also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it’s “easy to reach 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”. It’s also easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with limited space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take with you when you’re travelling. A perfect all-rounder.