Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side. Some have a side that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to build 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 traveling.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be adjusted to let you easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their infant at night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.

Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cozy and comfortable

A bedside crib lets you to monitor your little one in the peace of your bed. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements however). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.

If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also easy to assemble. bedside rocking crib who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a convenient bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. It's important to choose a product that can be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is particularly important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their child at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed it is important to consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.

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


It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that has been handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see him. Some have the option to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. It comes with six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.

The instructions are simple and there's a handy toolkit included 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 as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means 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 durable and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those who have small space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.