Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side. They often come with a side that can be lowered down for easy access and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the directions were extremely clear. It was a fast construction. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. bedside cot wooden can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great 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 key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your child in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabric options to complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a handy 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 also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. You should also select one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their infant during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any extra features you might find useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. bedside crib travel cot let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can 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 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. It comes with six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It has a few more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.