Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and simple zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their child during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help calm the baby. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is a good option 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 attach to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed can be accommodated). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
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 quite compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. bedside cot sale should also select an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care as it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding 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 and modern Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested, 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 of the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves the ease of clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.