Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They typically come with a side that can be put down for easy reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the directions were very easy to follow. It was a simple construction. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to easily access your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your little one from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. bedside crib vs cot allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take 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 Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
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 put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their baby at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that has been given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also likes the ease of clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those who have small space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.