Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the bed's side. They typically come with a side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They also tend to be 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 easy zips." best bedside cot for newborn can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on 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 your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be close to their child all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help calm the baby. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your child 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 your bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements though). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase airflow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabric options to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the 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 size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It's important to select a model that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices for a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall down or get trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When choosing a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower 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 also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one that was handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding 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 and modern Scandi design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.