Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were clear. It was a fast construction. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs 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 solution for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your little one in the peace of your bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. And over here come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and drips. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is easily removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into 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 given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It is also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those who have little space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.