Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. They usually have one side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel cot bedside bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be set next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes 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 be used as a travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase airflow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and drips. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall off or be 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 particularly important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby 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 has extra features that may be beneficial to you. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking bedside crib or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This 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 portable cribs we've tried and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with a small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.