Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of a bed. They typically have one side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an important selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and 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, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby up to you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby 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 meets the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their child falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a large model with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase airflow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabric options to fit your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and popping 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 but is still quite compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. You should also select one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their baby at night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When selecting a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one that has been given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. travel cot bedside crib allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also simple to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It has a few more features than other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it an ideal choice for those who have little space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.