Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set 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 for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Many cribs for bedside cot wooden 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 for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your baby in the comfortable bed. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that 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 to boost the flow of air. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib according to 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 clever fabrics to match your decor. It's also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a handy 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, however it is still compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside travel crib crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside baby sleeper crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit 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 decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall 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 that has been passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time and can 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
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also heavier and bulkier than other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few more 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 that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful 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 loves that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.