Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed. They typically come with a side that can be put down for easy reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the directions were extremely simple. It was a simple construction. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside cot 6 months plus feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to easily access your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for 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 a built-in rocking function. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside cot 6 months plus have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside crib to cot. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then raise it again after you take baby out. This is a good option 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 attach to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can 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 air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabric options to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a handy 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 put together, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's also a good idea to choose one that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child at night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When selecting a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution as it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby bedside crib's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely 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 secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most will have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it dust-free and clean when it's stored.
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 fabrics. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great option for those with little space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.