Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the bed's side. They usually have a single side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the directions were extremely easy to follow. It was a fast construction. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually easy 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 portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. what is it worth should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your baby in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their child falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib according to the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose one that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Make sure 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 want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features you might find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that was passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free 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 a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "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 until my son grows out of it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal option for those with limited space. Additionally, This Web page comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.