Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They often come with a side that can be lowered down for easy access, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were clear. It was a quick construction. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted to let you easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble 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.
Cosy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's bedside crib travel integrated setting for reflux, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
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 attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose one that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child falls out.
You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is 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 standalone crib during the day. They usually have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. bedside cot reviews can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This one has six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son grows out of it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.