Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an attractive selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfortable bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
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 as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
In addition to 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 particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their infant at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features you might consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. Highly recommended Online site that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as 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, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as 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 to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.