Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. They typically have one side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted to let you easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their child during the night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming the baby. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an attractive selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements however). Others allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabrics to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a 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 relatively compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's important to choose one that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features you might find useful. bedside crib with wheels can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that was passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek Scandi design. This crib has six height settings and an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy 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 thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also likes the ease of clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great option for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.