Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. 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 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 windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their infant throughout the night but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing extra 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 point for many families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications 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 air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. bedside crib that turns into cot 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, but is still quite compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Find 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 help keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's also a good idea to choose one 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 important, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that was given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. bedside cot wooden 's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.