Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for transport.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side to are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being “super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and easy zips.” The crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their child throughout the night, but don’t want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be very comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.

A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your child from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. MFM’s 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cozy and comfortable

A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your child in the comfortable bed. It’s an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make best bedside cot uk that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you’ve lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah – which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket – is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with 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 reflux setting, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.

If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will complement your decor. It’s also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn’t have to look up the instructions. It’s also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.

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 fit into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

If you’re looking at travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It’s important to select a model that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. 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 slide down or become trapped.

It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it’s a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent’s side, giving parents easy access to their baby during the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom take into consideration whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt – but remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.

It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby’s head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.

It’s a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they’re sometimes known) attaches to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it’s not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It’s also a bit larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.

It’s easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit 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 amenities than other bedside cribs we’ve tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it’s “easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss and it’s larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it”. It’s also easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It’s also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.