Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the side of the bed. They often have a single side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be with their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted 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 example, has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and 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 Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib enables you to watch your little one in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. cheap bedside cot lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). 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 an integrated setting for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will match your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It is 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 small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby won't fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bedroom take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to, attaches to the 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 standalone crib during the day. Most have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. 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 changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. It comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great option for those who have limited space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.