Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
foldable bedside crib cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the bed's side. They usually have one side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cots cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their infant during the night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside crib and travel cot have a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabrics that match your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
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 simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a co-sleeping bedside baby bed crib. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with extra features you might find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the chance 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 travel cot or crib, rather than using one that has been passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside travel cot crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those with little space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.