Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are connected to the side of the bed. They often have one side that can be lowered down for easy access, and some have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the directions were very simple. It was a quick construction. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be set next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their infant throughout the night but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.

Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.

A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height settings to match your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cozy and comfortable

You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can view your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you have lifted baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.


The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.

If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. simply click the up coming post folds flat and can be easily stuffed 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 into your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the nooks and crannies for a thorough cleaning and sanitising.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.

Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.

You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. bedside cot reviews to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.

It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great option for those who have small space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.