Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside Co Sleeper Cot cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their infant throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.

Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another popular choice, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside cot sale crib enables you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for moms who are 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 your bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for best bedside cot Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.

If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel bedside crib cot, which folds flat before slipping into a handy bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still relatively compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at bedside cots cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's important to choose one that can be removed and partially dismantled so that you can access all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside cots 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 baby throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.

Also, you should make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. Most will include a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep 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 a bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This one has six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other travel-friendly cribs we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.