Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed. They often have one side that can be dropped down for easy access and some come with an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're moving. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their infant at night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted 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, for example, has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your little one from the comfortable bed. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift the baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that 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 small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and spills. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being foldable bedside crib to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit 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 reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. They usually feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.