Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

bedside crib with wheels cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually have one side that can be dropped down for easy access and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.

Easy to put together

bedside crib vs cot cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.

Some bedside crib co sleeper cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child during the night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. 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 consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.

Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Many cribs for large bedside crib use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfy

You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for 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 specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the baby's position.

If you're looking for something smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabric options to fit your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds 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 size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. It's also a good idea to choose one that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is particularly important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their child at night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although remember that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be risky if your child falls out.

You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of 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 cot crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking or converting into a larger baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it dust-free and clean when it's stored.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with a little space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.