Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. They often have one side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.

travel cot bedside crib found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be set close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their infant during the night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.

Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.

Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling point for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another 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 child in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to fit your baby's position.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy 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 requiring any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits 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 on the larger side however it is still small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the corners.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.

You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom, you should also consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.

You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that was handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Versatile


A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib has six height settings as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also bulkier and heavier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

It's easy to set up with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It is also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few features 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 is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal 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.