Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the sides of the bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm the baby. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an important selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable, easy to assemble 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.
bedside cots and comfy
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby up to you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase air flow. In bedside cots , there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabric options to complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a convenient 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 found it easy to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom take into consideration whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one that was handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend 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 imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside 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 needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few more extras than some of the other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those with limited space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.