Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of the bed. They usually have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were very simple. It was a quick build. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around on the move. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their baby during the night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you lift the baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. In bedside cot used , there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, however it is still small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
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, spills, and leaky diapers. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. bedside cot used is especially important when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. travel cot bedside crib are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that has been passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) attaches 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 standalone cribs during the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include 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 only about its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.