Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the side of a bed. They often have one side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a simple construction. It also folds down to 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 fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Cots 4 Tots offer a recline position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal 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 important selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to watch your child in the peace of your bed. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
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 simple to attach to 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
If you're considering bedside cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models 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 choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies for a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed it is important to consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one given to you by 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 cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep 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 having to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those who have small space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.