Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. click here folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be set close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your little one from the peace of your bed. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your child towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and 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 a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
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 small and easy to put onto 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
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used 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 safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember 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 only because of its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your 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". It's also easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it a great choice for those with a small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.