Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the sides of a bed. They usually have a single side that can be put down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a convenient 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, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
bedside cot bed with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm them 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 major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to watch your baby in the comfortable bed. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then raise it again after you take the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child falling off 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 however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will match your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, 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 size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
When 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. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to every nook and cranny to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. 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 the baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most will include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. url 's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It has a few more features than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
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 larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.