Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. They often have a single side that can be lowered down for easy access and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina who was one of the 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." baby bedside sleeper can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of your own bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their baby during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling 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 bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost airflow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before 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 small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child falls out.
It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure 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 cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some have the option to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It is also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as 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 a longer time before my son grows out". She also loves the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.