Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of the bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a comforting experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby up to you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Others allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have fears of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic 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 compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify 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 crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. travel cot bedside should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy 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 about this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried 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 a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves the ease of clean and is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those who have small space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.