Bedside crib and travel cot (79bo.cc)
wooden bedside cot cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They typically come with a side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their child throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your baby in the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for moms 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. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view 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 meets the latest safety requirements however). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but 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 large design with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase airflow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still relatively compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside cot sale crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
A cheap bedside cot crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. It comes with six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking bedside crib feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.