Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a quick build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another popular choice, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your little one from the comfortable bed. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate your baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed 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, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When choosing a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the ability 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 child falls out.
Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. resources come with additional features like tilting, rocking or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also loves how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.