Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the bed's side. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a convenient 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 who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their infant at night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be very relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and 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 suitable for travel. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for 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 new mum recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure that 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 improve air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still relatively compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to select a model that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
bedside travel cot is essential, 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 areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their baby during the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
It is also important to make sure 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 won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or even 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 a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs 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 simple to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal option for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.