Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the side of your bed. They usually have one side that can be put down for easy reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were very clear. It was a simple build. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.

A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and Bedside Crib and Travel Cot play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib allows you to monitor your baby bedside sleeper in the peace of your bed. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.

If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a 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 into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at travel cots and newborn bedside cot cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose a product that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access every nook and cranny to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is crucial, since it's the best bedside cot uk way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

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

Also, Bedside Crib and Travel Cot you should make sure that your crib or travel cot 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 feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib has six height settings as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.

It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more extras than some of the other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". It's also easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those who have limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.