Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. 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 set next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more portable. 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 zips that are easy to open." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be removed to allow you to easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.

Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store extra 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, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you take baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off 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 bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib in accordance with the preferred 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 incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult 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 size, yet it's small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. large bedside cot will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.

This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into 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 and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.

Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.

Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head 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, rather than using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This lets you 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 include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free 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 fabrics. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.

Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It's designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.