Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. They usually come with a side that can be lowered down for easy access and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to assemble

bedside cot newborn cribs are generally simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with 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 crib 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 with a bedside co sleeper cot have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.

Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to suit the baby's position.

If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a handy bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the best bedside cot for newborn Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at large bedside crib cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant 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 vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.

You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their infant at night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.

You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings and a useful 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 free of dust in storage.

It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It is also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other wooden bedside cot cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It can be set on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with small space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.