Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a quick build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are usually 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 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 be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their child during the night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.

The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.

A lot of bedside cot for twins cribs come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cozy and comfortable

You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mother 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. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.

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 standards). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards best bedside cot for newborn Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for best bedside cot uk Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at Bedside Rocking Crib cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and dribbles. It is also recommended to choose a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

When selecting a crib for your bedroom it is important to consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be risky if your child is thrown out.

You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time and increase 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

The bedside cot mattress crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs allow you to keep 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 will also convert into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.