Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for traveling.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help calm them down. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Some bedside cribs can be transformed 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&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also has five different height settings to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and cozy

You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you take baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on 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 roomy model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost airflow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.

If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabrics that match your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a bag for easy storage.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, however it is still compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the corners.


This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their child during the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.

Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable, 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 a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". small bedside cot appreciates how easy it is to clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.