Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a fast build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered to let you easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a recline 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 before trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to protect your child from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your child from the comfortable bed. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. bedside crib and cot come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than 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. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabric options to fit your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
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 found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and dribbles. You should also select one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When selecting a crib for your bedroom take into consideration whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that was given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested however 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 an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It is also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also likes the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.