Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have a side that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving 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 be with their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
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 have an apprehension of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something smaller in size than 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 was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds 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 compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. It's also a good idea to choose one that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their infant at night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
When selecting a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one that has been passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. large bedside cot have additional features like tilting, rocking or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful 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 period of time before my son grows out". She also likes how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have little space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.