Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the bed's side. Some have a side that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the directions were extremely clear. It was a fast construction. It also folds down into a compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.

Easy to put together

They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

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 is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.

Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your little one from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it again after you lift baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to fit your baby's position.

If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range 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 consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a handy 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, but is still relatively compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the corners.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.

You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using 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 infant at night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.

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

It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. They usually have a side panel which can be removed to let you see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.


The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. bedside cot crib comes with six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.

It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great option for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.