Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually have a single side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically easy 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, making them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. bedside baby sleeper has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their child throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and help them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming the baby. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal 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 factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your baby in the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Some allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something a little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabrics that will match your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's important to choose one that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible 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 secure and efficient sleep solutions.
bedside baby sleeper , or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient 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 tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure 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 Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it a great choice for those with a small space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.