Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They typically come with a side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're on the move. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access 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 want to be close to their baby during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to protect your child from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). my sources features an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. 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 good travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side however it is still small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose one that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of 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 infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with extra features you might consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must 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 sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a 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, which means it will last a longer time before my son gets older". She also loves the ease of clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it an ideal choice for those who have little space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.