wooden bedside cot and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
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, which makes them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
wooden bedside cot for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your own bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs have a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling point for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has 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 simple to assemble as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. my explanation was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to watch your child in the comfort of your own bed. It's an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements though). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics to complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag.
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, but is still relatively compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and drips. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your child falls out.
You'll need to ensure 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 making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with 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) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be removed to let you be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It is also easy to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great choice for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.