Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

bedside cot wooden cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a quick construction. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.

Easy to assemble

wooden bedside cot cribs are usually easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. 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 simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some bedside baby sleeper cribs have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping.

Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.

A lot of bedside cot for twins cribs have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.

Many bedside cribs are convertible 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 fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfy

You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since 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. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have a fear of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a large Bedside Crib design that has an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to suit the baby's position.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, however it is still compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. It's also a good idea to select a model that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.

It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom, you should also consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child is thrown out.

You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses tend 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.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot.

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

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal option for those with limited space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.