Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the bed's side. They typically have one side that can be put down for easy reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large model with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost airflow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabric options to fit your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping 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 compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their baby at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Used bedside crib that turns into cot are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. Most come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib has six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.