Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

bedside baby sleeper cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were very clear. It was a quick construction. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and easy 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 windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be removed to let you easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their child during the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.

Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.

Most cribs with a large bedside cot have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cozy and comfortable

A bedside crib co sleeper crib lets you to keep an eye on your baby from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs allow you to 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 standards). Some allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their child falling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.

If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that match your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat before slipping into a convenient bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's important to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.

You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.

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

You'll want 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 feet and head won't fall into any gaps or folds 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. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib that turns into cot crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings and an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.

The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also likes the ease of clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great option for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.