Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. They usually have a single side that can be put down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

Easy to put together

They are small and simple to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around on the move. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.

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

Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.

Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming the baby. bedside baby sleeper have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your baby in the comfort of your own bed. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their child falling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate your baby's position.

If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great 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 slightly larger than the average, however it is still compact and easy to attach to 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 travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.


This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their infant at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your child falls out.

Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with 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, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs allow you 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 an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This model comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

It's simple to put together, 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 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 great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son grows out". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.