Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the sides of a bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the directions were extremely clear. It was a fast build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be set next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be lowered to let you easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or those who wish 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).
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to the position your baby prefers.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that match your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped 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 somewhat larger, but is still relatively compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that has been handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose 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 most recent standard, which 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) can be attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed to let you be able to see your baby and hold him. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. bedside sleeper cot 's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It is also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic 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 for a longer time before my son grows out". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal option for those who have small space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.