Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. They typically come with a side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
bedside crib that turns into cot are typically simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy 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 moving. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their baby during the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting 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 cribs come with a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and cozy
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you lift the baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If bedside crib and travel cot are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a convenient 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 better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing 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 bedroom it is important to consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. They usually come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see him. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It is also easy to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal choice for those with small space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.