Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside co sleeper cot cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside crib or cot cribs feature an additional side panel that can be removed to allow you to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help calm them down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of 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 a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to consult 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 capacity, but it is small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's important to choose one that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access every nook and cranny to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their infant throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds 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 was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A large bedside crib crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. It comes with six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.