Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. They usually have one side that can be put down for easy access, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. discover this folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums 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 associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help calm them down. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their little one rolling off the side 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 bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabrics that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. discover this is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When selecting a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely 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 secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes 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 also be used as a separate crib during the day. They usually have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs let you keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more extras than some of the other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also likes the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.