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 to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were simple. It was a fast construction. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming your baby down. bedside cot newborn come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs 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 instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your baby in the peace of your bed. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabric options to complement your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a 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 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 mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their baby at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any extra features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although remember that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce 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 to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with 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
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It is also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also 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 in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it an ideal choice 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.