Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their child at night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed 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 blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without having 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 comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Cots 4 Tots let you lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require straps that are longer 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 that increases air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabric options to fit your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still relatively small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be risky if your child is thrown out.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your own sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be removed so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving 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 come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son grows out". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it a great choice for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.