Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.

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

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.

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

Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.

Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cozy and comfortable

You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.


The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards 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 that your bed can be accommodated). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.

If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabrics that match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect 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

If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and drips. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.

This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.

baby bedside crib 'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.

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

It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

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 get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.

The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also loves the ease of clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.