Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the side of the bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the instructions were very clear. It was a simple build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help calm them down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your baby from the comfortable bed. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the nooks and crannies for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that has been passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
large bedside cot , or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also heavier and bulkier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also likes how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great choice for those with a limited space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.