Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side. They typically have a single side that can be put down for easy reach, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were clear. It was a quick construction. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their baby during the night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an important selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your baby in the comfortable bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their child falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which 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 accommodate the baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that match your decor. It's also simple to put together. 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 good travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a convenient 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, however it is still compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find bedside baby sleeper with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and drips. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their baby during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features you might find useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.

Also, you should make sure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet 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 using one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or come with additional features such as 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 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It has a few more extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be set on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with a little space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.