Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside baby sleeper cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the sides of a bed. They usually have one side that can be put down for easy reach, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby at night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help calm them down. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is a big selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside cot used. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large design has an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate your baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabric options to match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and popping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the best bedside cot for newborn Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still relatively compact and easy to fit into 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
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel bedside crib cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
It is important to make sure 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 head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The bedside cots uk crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most will include a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with a convenient 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 is also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.