Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a fast construction. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their infant during the night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. 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, making it suitable for travel. It also has 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted 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 option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib according to the position your baby prefers.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabric options that complement your decor. baby bedside sleeper 's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that has been given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of 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 wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.