Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

bedside travel crib cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

bedside crib travel cot cribs are typically easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their baby at night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.

Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining 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 come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming the baby. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

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

Cosy and comfortable

You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside co sleeper cot crib. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large design with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to the position your baby prefers.

If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat before slipping into a handy bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose a product that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped.

You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.

Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.

It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head do not slide 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 bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually have a side panel which can be removed to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free 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 comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son gets older". She also appreciates the ease of clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.