Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of a bed. They often come with a side that can be dropped down for easy access, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the directions were easy to follow. It was a simple build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their child during the night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible 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 with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The 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 the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great choice for moms 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 with no need to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Some allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. There's also bedside crib co sleeper integrated set-up for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to consult 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 relatively compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's important to select a model that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access all the nooks and crannies for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their infant during the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective 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 reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. bedside travel crib of cribs include a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings, as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.