Armando Atkin

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. They typically come with a side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were very clear. It was a simple construction. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They also tend to be 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 be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).

Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.

A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.

Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and cozy

A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards best bedside cot cot bedside or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a large model with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to look up the 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 Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still quite small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's also a good idea to select a model that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

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

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

When choosing a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.

You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that was handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great choice for those who have small space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.