Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. They usually come with a side that can be put down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds into an extremely 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 set next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
discover this feature the option of a side panel that can be removed to allow you to easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great 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 feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and cozy
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have a fear of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with 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 an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib according to the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something a little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabrics to match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
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 easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and drips. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their infant throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those who have limited space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.