Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. They often have a single side that can be lowered down for easy access and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to watch your little one in the peace of your bed. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
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 allow you to lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something a little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will complement 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 fantastic 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 easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did feel 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 when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and spills. It's important to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being bedside sleeper cot to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their infant during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
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 reduce the risk 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 instead of using one that was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses 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 referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. Some have the option to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children 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 heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most 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 durable and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great option for those who have little space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.