Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed. They often come with a side that can be dropped down for easy access and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build, and the instructions were clear. It was a simple construction. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
bedside travel crib are compact and easy to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an important selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your child from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child falling off 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 be sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious 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. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to suit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabric options to fit your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.
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 found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to choose one that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed take into consideration whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase 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 lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It has a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with a limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.