Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are connected to the side of the bed. They often have a single side that can be put down for easy access and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.

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

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around on the move. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.

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

The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.

A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.

If you're looking for something smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabric options to match your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a great 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 capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.

It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their infant throughout the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

When choosing a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child gets out of the crib.

You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down 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 converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

best bedside cot is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.

The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.


Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those who have small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.