Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a fast build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. bedside cots for newborns comes with 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 the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your child from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another popular choice, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy 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 mother recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you have lifted 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 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase airflow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will complement your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It is 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 capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when 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 to allow you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more features 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 is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.
