Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

bedside crib and cot cribs look similar to a bassinet and are attached to the side of a bed. They usually have a single side that can be dropped down for easy access and some come with an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.

Easy to assemble

bedside cot newborn cribs are usually easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their infant during the night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.

Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and Bedside Crib and Travel Cot can help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help calm the baby. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your child in the comfortable bed. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have a fear of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to fit the baby's position.

If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still relatively small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose one that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.

It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib and cot crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. They usually come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or include additional features such as 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 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little 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.

The instructions are simple and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of 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 sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those with small space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.